Lidocaine is recognized as a first line drug for ventricular arrhythmias and has recently been used in acute myocardial infarction as prophylaxis against ventricular fibrillation. A 68-year-old man was erroneously given 2 gm of lidocaine by intravenous push and sustained a cardiac arrest. He was treated supportively and had complete recovery. We discuss complications of therapeutic and excessive doses of lidocaine and outline measures for treatment of massive lidocaine overdose.