Antibacterial effect of local anaesthetics

Medications may have important impacts other than the original effect. It is important to know about these to avoid side effects or use these beneficial capabilities. The antibacterial effect of local anaesthetics has been known since 1909. For decades, no attention has been payed to this fact. In the 1960s, the high number of negative microbiological results when local anaesthetics were used before sampling drew attention to the possible antibacterial effect. Studies suggested that cultures from bronchoscopy, wound, skin or nasal samples may be affected. Bupivacaine 0,5% and lidocaine 2% have the most noticeable effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. This impact is more pronounced at 37 °C than at room temperature. Bupivacaine 0,5% has the most pronounced effect. The concentration of local anaesthetics in daily routine is higher than the minimal inhibitory concentration against various clinical isolates. In the view of these results, they may contribute to reduce surgical site infections. There are known details regarding the mechanism of action. Local anaesthetics have target sites on cellular membrane and inhibit bacterial enzymes. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(5): 171-176.