Local Anesthetic Agents

What is the primary mechanism of action of local anesthetic agents?

Which of the following local anesthetics is derived from aniline?

What is the term for the ability of an anesthetic to produce anesthesia at a given concentration?

What is the term for the rate and extent of absorption of an anesthetic from the site of administration?

What is a rare but potential complication of ester-type local anesthetics?

What is the term for the length of time an anesthetic remains effective?

What is a characteristic of amine-type local anesthetic agents?

What is the effect of local anesthetics on the resting membrane potential of nerve cells?

What is a measure of an anesthetic's ability to block nerve conduction?

What is the term for the movement of the anesthetic to the site of action?

What is a characteristic of ester-type local anesthetic agents?

What is a common adverse effect of local anesthetic agents on the central nervous system?

What is the mechanism by which local anesthetics reduce the excitability of nerve cells?

What is the term for the breakdown of the anesthetic by the body?

What is a common adverse effect of local anesthetic agents on the cardiovascular system?

Local Anesthetic Agents

Classification

Ester Local Anesthetics:
- Derived from benzoic acid or para-aminobenzoic acid
- Examples: procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, cocaine
Amide Local Anesthetics:
- Derived from aniline
- Examples: lidocaine, mepivacaine, prilocaine, articaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine

Mechanism of Action

Block the generation and conduction of nerve impulses by:
- Inhibiting the influx of sodium ions into the nerve cell
- Reducing the rate of depolarization and repolarization

Pharmacological Properties

Potency: The ability of an anesthetic to produce anesthesia at a given concentration
Duration: The length of time the anesthetic remains effective
Onset: The time it takes for the anesthetic to take effect
Dose: The amount of anesthetic required to produce anesthesia

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: The rate and extent of absorption of the anesthetic from the site of administration
Distribution: The distribution of the anesthetic throughout the body
Metabolism: The breakdown of the anesthetic by the body
Elimination: The removal of the anesthetic from the body

Clinical Considerations

Allergic Reactions: Rare, but can occur with ester-type anesthetics
Toxicity: Can occur with high doses or rapid injection of anesthetics
Contraindications: Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease or epilepsy, may be contraindications for the use of certain local anesthetics

Learn about the classification, mechanism of action, pharmacological properties, pharmacokinetics, and clinical considerations of local anesthetic agents. Understand the differences between ester and amide local anesthetics and their uses in medicine.