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Related Concept Videos

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects01:12

Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects

583
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...
583
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications01:23

Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications

676
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...
676
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

975
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...
975
Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics01:13

Local Anesthetics: Pharmacokinetics

970
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...
970
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

574
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...
574
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia01:30

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia

1.5K
Depending on the target organ, local anesthetics (LAs) can be administered via various routes. In surface anesthesia, LAs are applied directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is widely used for topical skin numbing before venipuncture or minor surgical procedures. Commonly used surface local anesthetics are lidocaine or benzocaine sprays or creams. Surface anesthesia occurs within 5 minutes and lasts for about 60 minutes. One of the main disadvantages of topical anesthesia is...
1.5K

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
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Local anesthetic systemic toxicity: What nurses should know.

Melissa A Schneider1, Katrina A Howard

  • 1In York, Pa., Melissa A. Schneider is a clinical nurse educator at WellSpan York Hospital and an associate professor of nursing at York College of Pennsylvania, and Katrina A. Howard is a nurse manager at WellSpan York Hospital.

Nursing
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Local and regional anesthetics offer pain relief but carry risks like local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). Recognizing LAST signs and symptoms is crucial for patient safety and effective pain management.

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Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Local and regional anesthetics are increasingly used for pain management.
  • Concerns about opioid use disorders drive interest in anesthetic alternatives.
  • These anesthetic techniques, while generally safe, have potential serious risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST).
  • To highlight the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of LAST.
  • To inform healthcare providers about managing LAST risks.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on local anesthetic systemic toxicity.
  • Analysis of reported cases and clinical guidelines for LAST.
  • Discussion of diagnostic criteria and management strategies for LAST.

Main Results:

  • Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a rare but severe complication.
  • Early recognition of LAST signs (e.g., neurological, cardiovascular) is critical.
  • Prompt intervention can mitigate the severity and improve outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Local and regional anesthetics are valuable tools in pain management.
  • Awareness and prompt recognition of local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) are essential for patient safety.
  • Effective management protocols are necessary to address LAST complications.