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Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects01:12

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects

830
While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
830
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications01:23

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

1.0K
Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
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...
1.0K
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

1.6K
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
1.6K
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics01:13

Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics

1.3K
The potency and duration of action of local anesthetics (LAs) are determined by their pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics describes how LAs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated from the body. When administered to the vascular tissues, LAs are quickly absorbed and enter the systemic circulation, reducing their localized effects. Adding vasoconstrictors such as epinephrine to LAs reduces their absorption into the systemic circulation, making them clinically effective. The...
1.3K
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

805
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
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...
805
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship01:30

Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship

6.8K
Local anesthetics (LAs) are drugs that induce a temporary loss of sensation in a limited body area, preventing pain. Cocaine was the first local anesthetic discovered in the late 19th century. Cocaine is a benzoic acid ester obtained from the leaves of coca shrubs and was often used for its psychotropic effects. Cocaine was first isolated in 1860 by Albert Niemann. Sigmund Freud studied the physiological actions of cocaine. Carl Koller later introduced it into clinical practice in 1884 as a...
6.8K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
08:49

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention

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Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity.

Diana L Wadlund

    AORN Journal
    |November 7, 2017
    PubMed
    Summary

    Local anesthetics manage surgical pain but can cause rare, fatal systemic toxicity. Perioperative nurses need to recognize and manage these serious complications effectively.

    Area of Science:

    • Anesthesiology
    • Perioperative Medicine
    • Toxicology

    Background:

    • Local anesthetics are integral to perioperative care for pain management and surgical facilitation.
    • Their use carries a risk of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), a potentially fatal complication.
    • LAST can lead to increased patient morbidity and mortality.

    Observation:

    • LAST is a rare event, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 patients.
    • Early recognition of LAST signs and symptoms is crucial for patient outcomes.
    • Prompt and appropriate management is essential to mitigate severe consequences.

    Findings:

    • This article details the mechanisms and clinical presentation of LAST.
    • It outlines the critical signs and symptoms that perioperative nurses should monitor.
    Keywords:
    amino amidesamino estersanesthetic complicationslocal anestheticlocal anesthetic systemic toxicity

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  • Essential management strategies for patients experiencing LAST are provided.

    • Implications:

    • Equipping perioperative nurses with LAST knowledge improves patient safety.
    • Effective management protocols can reduce the mortality associated with local anesthetic overdose.
    • Enhanced understanding of LAST supports safer anesthetic practices in surgical settings.