Local anaesthetics

Authors

Keywords:

local anaesthetics, inhibit, transmission, nerve impulse

Abstract

Local anaesthetics (LAs) are drugs that reversibly inhibit the transmission of a nerve impulse where they are applied and they can be used as a sole anaesthetic or as analgesia, either intraoperatively or postoperatively.1 The routes of administration include but are not limited to, topical, subcutaneous, peripheral nerve blocks, and neuraxial.2

To accurately and confidently use any LA, one must understand the pharmacology of these drugs as a group and as individuals, as well as the importance of anatomy and physiology.1 Individual drugs are not discussed in this refresher.

Author Biography

K Mogotsi, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Anaesthesia, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

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Published

2023-11-24

Issue

FCA Refresher Course 2023

Section

FCA Refresher Course

License

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