local anaesthetic agents

Question 1

when is a lidocaine/prilocaine mixture indicated?

Answer 1

topical emulsion mixture to children before inserting a cannula/taking bloods

Question 2

what is lidocaine alone used for?

Answer 2

quick acting/local anaesthetic used for

• ring blocks when suturing digits
• lidocaine gel is used for catheter insertion
• lidocaine pray (xylocaine) given before upper GI endoscopies

Question 3

How is adrenaline used in anesthethesia?

Answer 3

1. causes vasoconstriction and has advantage of slowing systemic absorption and prolonging duration of local anaesthetics
2. local anesthetics should not be used in end arteries - digit/penis as there is a risk of ischaemic necrosis

Question 4

What is Prilocaine and how is it used?

Answer 4

1. regional IV anaesthetic
2. e.g. used in upper limb during ‘Bier’s block’ procedure for manipulation of Colles fracture
3. least cardiotoxic local anaesthetic

Question 5

What is Bupivicaine and how is it used?

Answer 5

1. longer acting anaesthesisa
2. used without adrenaline for spinal/epidural anesthesia
3. helps reduce postoperative pain

Question 6

what is used in carpal tunnel surgery?

Answer 6

Lidocaine and Bupivicaine

- quick acting anesthesia with reduced postoperative pain

Question 7

what is Bupivicaine contraindicated with?

Answer 7

is cardiotoxic