Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

A Comparative Study of Drug Delivery Methods Targeted to the Mouse Inner Ear: Bullostomy Versus Transtympanic Injection
Published on: March 8, 2017
Drug delivery systems for local anesthetics
Eneida de Paula1, Cíntia M S Cereda, Giovana R Tofoli
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil. depaula@unicamp.br
Innovative drug delivery systems enhance local anesthetics (LA) by improving therapeutic index and reducing toxicity. Recent patents reveal novel formulations for topical and injectable LA, aiming for prolonged effects and better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Technological innovations in drug delivery aim to increase the therapeutic index of drugs for clinical use.
- Local anesthetics (LA) offer biomedical advantages, driving research into advanced delivery systems.
- Current systemic LA delivery involves encapsulation (liposomes), complexation (cyclodextrins), and biopolymer association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent patent innovations in drug delivery formulations and techniques for topical and injectable local anesthetics.
- To highlight advancements that enhance LA efficacy and safety profiles.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent patents focusing on local anesthetic (LA) drug delivery.
- Analysis of formulation strategies for both topical and injectable LA applications.
- Examination of adjuvants and pharmaceutical forms (semisolid, liquid, solid) for topical delivery.
Main Results:
- Formulations aim to reduce LA concentration while increasing permeability and absorption.
- Delivery systems are designed to prolong LA presence at the target site, extending anesthetic/analgesic effects.
- Innovations focus on decreasing local and systemic toxicity and clearance rates.
Conclusions:
- Recent patents showcase significant advancements in local anesthetic drug delivery.
- Novel formulations and techniques promise improved therapeutic outcomes and safety for LA applications.
- The focus is on optimizing LA performance through advanced delivery strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems

