Local Anesthetic
Mechanism of Action (2)
Lidocaine works in the body to block painful stimulation. It is primarily used as a local anesthetic before surgical, dental (tooth extractions), or obstetric (delivery) procedures. It is also found in small amounts in many over the counter products used to treat sunburns, bug bites, and hemorrhoids. Prescription strength lidocaine can be administered through many routes including: injection, ointment, or through a patch. (2)
Mechanism of Action
Lidocaine works to inhibit sensory nerves by blocking conduction. This prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. The drug inhibits conduction by binding to sodium ion channel proteins blocking the influx of sodium ions into the cell. This prevents nerves from depolarizing, blocking conduction of the nerve impulse. (2)
Mechanism of Action
Lidocaine works to inhibit sensory nerves by blocking conduction. This prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. The drug inhibits conduction by binding to sodium ion channel proteins blocking the influx of sodium ions into the cell. This prevents nerves from depolarizing, blocking conduction of the nerve impulse. (2)
AntiarrhythmicLidocaine is widely used to treat ventricular arrhythmias but, as a rule, is ineffective for treating atrial arrhythmias. The main effect of lidocaine is its ability to depress the automaticity of contractions in the heart muscle. Lidocaine as an antiarrhythmic has some disadvantages however. (2)
Lidocaine must be administered parenterally, that is, by intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection. Also, due to its very short antiarrhythmic response, it is usually given as an IV infusion and therefore is only administered in the hospital. (2) At high levels, lidocaine can cause impaired liver function because it is rapidly metabolized in the the liver. Toxic blood levels usually produce central nervous system depression and possible cardiac and respiratory arrest. (2) |
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