Pharmacology of Local Anesthetic Agents

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions from the lecture on the pharmacology of local anesthetic agents and pre-anesthetic evaluation.

What is the primary goal of pre-anesthetic evaluation?

To determine the patient's ability to tolerate the stresses involved in the planned dental treatment.

What does ASA Class 3 indicate about a patient?

A patient with severe systemic disease that limits activity but is not incapacitating.

What are the effects of epinephrine when used as a vasoconstrictor?

It increases blood sugar levels, increases glycogenesis, and dilates pupils.

Describe ASA Class 4 in the ASA classification.

A patient with an incapacitating systemic disease that is a constant threat to life.

What is the maximum dose of local anesthetic agents per appointment?

1 mg per appointment.

How does prilocaine differ from lidocaine?

Prilocaine is absorbed less rapidly from the injection site but has lesser toxicity.

In which patients is levonordefrin contraindicated?

Pregnant women due to oxytocin effects.

What is a common use for bezocaine?

Topical anesthesia with long duration.

What is the role of vasoconstrictors in dental anesthesia?

They localize the local anesthetic at the site of injection and minimize systemic absorption.

What are the two main groups of local anesthetic agents?

Amides and Esters.

Why are amide local anesthetics typically safer than esters?

Amides have a lower potential for allergic reactions and are metabolized in the liver.

What does the classification of 'moribund' indicate in ASA classification?

Patients not expected to survive for 24 hours without surgery.

How often should a patient's medical history be updated before dental procedures?

Every 6 months to 1 year.

What is the action mechanism of local anesthetics on nerve membranes?

They inhibit the excitation process by producing a 'conduction blockade'.

What type of local anesthetic is articaine?

An amide type that contains both a thiophene and an ester group.

What are some adverse effects of norepinephrine?

Mild 'alerting' effect on CNS, possible bradycardia, and contraindications for patients with hypertension.

How does systemic toxicity of local anesthetics manifest?

Dependently on the absorption rate into the circulation and the distribution rate into tissues.