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Extended release formulations for local anaesthetic agents.
C F Weiniger1, L Golovanevski, A J Domb
1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Centre, Jerusalem, Israel. carolynfweiniger@gmail.com
Anaesthesia
|May 22, 2012
Summary
Encapsulating local anesthetics in biodegradable carriers extends their action and improves safety by slowing release. This review covers various extended-duration formulations, including liposomes and polymer microspheres.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Materials Science
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Systemic toxicity from local anesthetic overdose is a significant clinical concern.
- Biodegradable carriers offer a strategy to prolong anesthetic action and enhance safety profiles.
- Naturally occurring local anesthetics show potential for reducing systemic and neurotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review extended-duration local anesthetic formulations currently in development or clinical use.
- To analyze the duration of action, rationale, and limitations of various encapsulation strategies.
- To highlight the potential of biodegradable carriers in improving local anesthetic safety and efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on extended-duration local anesthetic formulations.
- Analysis of encapsulation techniques including liposomes, Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres, and polymer systems.
- Examination of both synthetic and natural local anesthetics in advanced formulations.
Main Results:
- Various formulations like liposomes, PLGA microspheres, and polymer systems demonstrate prolonged anesthetic action.
- Encapsulation strategies aim to reduce systemic toxicity by controlling drug release rates.
- Natural local anesthetics show promise in mitigating neurotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable carriers significantly enhance the safety and duration of local anesthetics.
- Different formulations (liposomes, polymers) offer distinct advantages and limitations.
- Further direct comparisons are needed to fully elucidate the comparative efficacy and safety of these advanced drug delivery systems.
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