Local Anesthetics

Question 1

What type of receptor/channel do local anesthetics work on?

Answer 1

sodium channel blockers

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action for local anesthetics?

Answer 2

Sodium channel blockers that inhibit formation of action potentials and block nerve impulse conduction by nociceptors

This action blocks pain perception and emotional response to pain.

Question 3

Where do local anesthetics produce their therapeutic effects?

Answer 3

At their injection sites such as nasal mucosa, incision/wound sites, major nerve trunks, and epidural spaces

Local anesthetics can also be used as a spray for procedures like TTE or nasal intubation.

Question 4

Which type of local anesthetic is procaine?

Answer 4

Ester type

Ester-type anesthetics like procaine are quickly metabolized by plasma pseudocholinesterases.

Question 5

What is the half-life of procaine?

Answer 5

Less than 1 minute

Ester-type anesthetics like procaine are quickly metabolized by plasma pseudocholinesterases.

Question 6

Which type of local anesthetic is lidocaine?

Answer 6

Amide type

Amide-type anesthetics like lidocaine are more slowly metabolized by hepatic CYP enzymes.

Question 7

What is the half-life of lidocaine?

Answer 7

More than 10 minutes

Amide-type anesthetics like lidocaine are more slowly metabolized by hepatic CYP enzymes.

Question 8

How can you remember the difference between ester and amide anesthetics?

Answer 8

Ester has no ‘i’ in the word
amide has 1 ‘i’

minus -caine part of the word, procaine has no i = ester

minus -caine, lidocaine has an i = amide

This mnemonic helps in distinguishing between the two types of anesthetics.

Question 9

True or False: Local anesthetics can be used systemically.

Answer 9

False

Local anesthetics are primarily used for localized effects, not systemic use.