Local Anesthetic Agents

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to local anesthetic agents, their ingredients, classifications, patient considerations, and side effects.

Local Anesthetic Cartridge Capacity

Contains 2.0 mL of solution, but effectively holds 1.8 mL due to the stopper.

Vasoconstrictors

Agents such as Epi and Levo that constrict blood vessels to enhance the effect of anesthetics.

Sodium Bisulfite

A preservative added to local anesthetic solutions with vasoconstrictors to delay deterioration.

Buffering Agent

Sodium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of local anesthetic solutions.

Isotonic Solution

A solution created by adding sodium chloride to local anesthetics to make it injectable.

Methylparaben

A bacteriostatic agent previously used in anesthetics, removed after allergic reactions.

Short-acting Anesthetics

Provide pulpal anesthesia for 30 minutes and usually do not contain vasoconstrictors.

Lidocaine

A common short-acting anesthetic with 2% solution.

Intermediate-acting Anesthetics

Provide pulpal anesthesia for 60 minutes and generally contain a vasoconstrictor.

Bupivacaine

A long-acting anesthetic that provides pulpal anesthesia for 90 minutes or more.

Patient Response to Anesthetic

Can be normal, hyper, or hypo-responding affecting anesthesia duration.

Vascularity of Tissue

Inflamed tissue increases vascularity, slowing anesthesia onset and decreasing duration.

Maximum Recommended Dose (MRD)

The maximum amount of a drug a patient can safely tolerate.

Sulfite Allergy

Can cause respiratory reactions, particularly in asthmatic patients.

Post-treatment Pain Control

Anesthetics like 0.5% bupivacaine help manage after procedure pain.

Methemoglobinemia

A condition that can occur from prilocaine, leading to cyanosis.

Topical Anesthetic

Lidocaine is used as an effective topical agent for pain control.

Prilocaine

The least toxic anesthetic, effective with minimal vasodilation.

Articaine

A thiophene derivative anesthetic known for better lipid solubility and bone penetration.

Paresthesia

Altered sensation such as tingling following anesthesia, often due to technique.

Long Duration Anesthetic

Bupivacaine is preferred when prolonged anesthesia and pain control are needed.

Amide Local Anesthetics

Lidocaine, Mepivacaine, Prilocaine, and Bupivacaine are classified as amide anesthetics.

Ester Local Anesthetics

Procaine is an ester anesthetic now primarily used as an antiarrhythmic.

Buffering with Sodium Bicarbonate

Reduces sting and improve comfort during the administration of local anesthetics.

Lipid Solubility

A factor that affects the potency and duration of action of local anesthetics.

Protein Binding

Influences the duration of action of local anesthetic agents.

Vasodilating Properties

Affects the effectiveness and duration of local anesthetics.

IV Administration of Articaine

May lead to methemoglobinemia if done in very high doses.

Sodium Bicarbonate

A buffering agent used to enhance the effectiveness of local anesthetics.

Epinephrine vs. Levonordefrin

Epinephrine (or Epi) provides better bleeding control than Levonordefrin.

Vasodilators

Substances that widen blood vessels, which can affect anesthetic efficacy.

Blood pH Effects

The pH of the local anesthetic solution can influence its effectiveness and absorption.

Respiratory Reaction in Asthmatics

Sulfite allergies can cause severe respiratory issues.

Local Anesthetic Safety in Children

Avoid long-acting agents to prevent self-mutilation in young patients.

Bupivacaine Toxicity

Highly potent anesthetic requires caution due to potential systemic toxicity.

Anesthetic Duration

Influenced by pKa, protein binding, lipid solubility, and tissue vascularity.

Oral Surgery Anesthetic Use

Bupivacaine is preferred for prolonged anesthetic effect in oral surgical procedures.

Emergency Anesthesia Techniques

Knowledge of different anesthetics is crucial for managing diverse patient needs.

Special Needs Patients and Anesthesia

Use caution with anesthetics to prevent risks of self-injury.

Lidocaine Potency Comparison

Lidocaine is twice as potent as Procaine.

Epinephrine Concentrations

1:50,000 provides the greatest hemostasis among local anesthetics.

Heart Conditions and Anesthetic Choices

Patients with cardiovascular disease may require alternative anesthetics.

Systemic Effects of Local Anesthetics

Some medications can enhance the systemic effects of local anesthetics.

Anticonvulsant Properties

Lidocaine has properties to terminate certain types of seizures.

Long-term Anesthesia Indications

Used in situations such as periodontal surgery or complex extractions.

Concerns with Prilocaine Use

Must monitor for methemoglobinemia risk due to metabolic pathway.

Articaine vs. Other Anesthetics

Has unique biochemistry allowing it to be metabolized more efficiently.

Dental Local Anesthetic Composition

Includes buffers and preservatives to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Histamine Reaction to Anesthetics

Not common but may occur in sensitive patients.

Local Anesthetic Cartridge Design

Designed to optimize medication delivery and minimize waste.

Injection Site Considerations

Anatomy factors impact the success of the anesthesia delivery.

Duration vs. Efficacy Trade-off

Higher dosing may lead to improved anesthesia but increases risks.

Pain Control Considerations

Different procedures may necessitate tailored anesthetic choices.

Complications from Anesthetic Injection

Potential risks include but are not limited to nerve injury and bruising.

Systemic Allergic Reactions to Anesthetics

Ineffective management requires understanding patient histories.

Vasoconstrictor Function

Primarily utilized for hemostasis during dental procedures.

Clinical Application of Sodium Bicarbonate

Improves comfort and efficacy when used with local anesthetics.

Effects of Anesthetic Storage Conditions

Proper storage can maintain efficacy and prevent degradation.

Response Variation in Anesthesia,

Responses can vary greatly among individuals based on various factors.

Fundamental Principles of Pain Control

Understanding the role of local anesthetics enhances patient management.

Injection Technique Importance

Proper technique is critical for effective anesthesia delivery.

Anesthetic Selection Criteria

Considerations include patient health status and expected procedure risks.