What it means
A drug that stops nerves from sending pain signals from the area where it is given. Common ones are lidocaineLY-doh-kaynA local anesthetic that numbs an area, also given by IV to treat some fast, abnormal heart rhythms.Full entry , bupivacainebyoo-PIV-uh-kaynA long-acting local anesthetic used to numb an area, block nerves, or give epidural and spinal anesthesia.Full entry and ropivacaine. They are injected into the skin, around a nerve (a nerve block) or near the spinal cord, or put on as a cream or spray. Epinephrine is often added to make the effect last longer and reduce bleeding. Too much in the blood can cause local anesthetic systemic toxicity: numbness around the mouth, a metallic taste, ringing in the ears, then seizures and heart rhythm problems.
For the nurse
Protect the numb area from injury, such as burns or pressure, until feeling returns. Do not give food or drink after the throat has been numbed until the gag reflex returns. Report early signs of toxicity right away.
At a glance
| Drug class | local anesthetic |
|---|---|
| Also written | local anesthetics, local anaesthetic |
Related terms
epidural anesthesia
Pain relief or numbness from an anesthetic drug given through a thin catheter into the space just outside the covering of the spinal cord.
lidocaine
A local anesthetic that numbs an area, also given by IV to treat some fast, abnormal heart rhythms.
bupivacaine
A long-acting local anesthetic used to numb an area, block nerves, or give epidural and spinal anesthesia.