Lidocaine, the first amide-type local anesthetic, was developed by Nils Lofgren in 1943 and first marketed in 1948. The proper chemical name is 2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)acetamide monohydrochloride and the chemical formula is C₁₄H₂₂N₂O·HCl·H₂O.

Lidocaine is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. It is faster acting and longer lasting than procaine (novocaine).