> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.theplasticsfella.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Local Anaesthetic - URL: https://www.theplasticsfella.com/local-anaesthetic/ - Published: 2022-06-14T12:27:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-15T19:44:33.000Z - Description: Local Anaesthesia has two main types, amides and esters. This article discusses dosing, side effects, calculations with examples. - Author: PlasticsFella - Tags: Core Principles #### In this article 1. [Overview of Local Anaesthetic](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/local-anaesthetic/#overview-of-local-anaesthetic) 2. [Mechanism of Action](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/local-anaesthetic/#mechanism-of-action) 3. [Types of Local Anaesthetic](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/local-anaesthetic/#types-of-local-anaesthesia) 4. [Local Anaesthetic Calculations](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/local-anaesthetic/#local-anaesthestic-calculations) 5. [Local Anaesthetic Toxicity](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/local-anaesthetic/#local-anaesthetic-toxicity) 6. [References ](https://www.theplasticsfella.com/local-anaesthetic/#references) #### Summary Card Local Anaesthetic provides a temporary block to voltage-gated sodium channels. This prevents nerve impulse generation and conduction Amides and esters are the two categories of local anaesthetics. They have a different duration of action and side-effect profiles. Calculation of local anaesthetic volumes requires knowledge of the patient's body weight, max dose, and max concentration. Toxicity is rare but a potentially lethal complication that should be treated with a lipid rescue protocol. --- ## Overview of Local Anaesthetic Local anaesthetics are used in surgery to produce a **reversible loss of sensation** to the desired area by **blocking the voltage-gated sodium channels** required for nerve impulse generation and conduction. --- ## Mechanism of Action **Key Point** Local anaesthetic blocks **voltage-gated sodium channels** to prevent the conduction and propagation of nerve impulses. This occurs quicker when the pKa is similar to the of human tissue and less effective in the presence of an infection. Local anaesthetic blocks **voltage-gated sodium channels** to prevent the conduction and propagation of nerve impulses. Some important pharmacokinetic points are related to pH, lipid solubility, and ionisation. For example: - Local anaesthetics work when in an ionised state - Act faster if acid dissociation constant (pKa) is similar to human tissue (pH 7.4) - Act faster if high diffusion rather than through non-neural tissue - Less effective in infections due to local hypoxia causing a raised tissue pH - More effective when administered in an alkaline state (combined with sodium bicarbonate) - Longer duration of action if more lipid-soluble (high affinity for axons) 💡 **Fun Fact:** most local anaesthetics are vasodilators. --- ## Types of Local Anaesthesia **Key Point** The are two types of local anaesthetics - amides and esters. They have different mechanisms of action and metabolism pathways. ### Amides and Esters There are **two types** of local anaesthetics/anaesthesia. They are classified as: 1. **Esters**: a type of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)–based anaesthesia 2. **Amide**: a type of non-para-aminobenzoic acid (nPABA)–based anaesthesia An important difference between these two groups is the manner in which they are metabolised 1. **Esters:** metabolised in plasma by pseudocholinesterase to PABA (anaphylaxis) 2. **Amide:** metabolised in the liver, less allergy risk. Examples of these two types of local anaesthetics include: 1. **Esters**: Benzocaine 2. **Amides**: Bupivacaine Both ester and amide local anaesthetics can be administered in different formulations (ointments, patches, and injections). 💡 **Memory Hook**: local anaesthetic is an amide if the ‘i’ is before the C. ![The class, duration, dose and toxicity of different local anaesthetics](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2022/06/Local-Anaesthetic.png) Local Anesthetic --- ## Local Anaesthestic Calculations **Key Point** There are 4 values in local anaesthetic calculations: maximum **dose**, maximum **volume** and **concentration** and patient's **weight.** ### Principles of Calculations There are 3 important numbers when it comes to a successful local anaesthetic calculation. It is important to note the different units of measurement - these need to be converted! 1. Maximum dose (milligram/kilogram) 2. Concentration (%) 3. Patient's weight (kg) These 3 variables are used to calculate the **maximum recommended volume** of local anaesthetic. ### ### Step 1: Calculate Concentrations There are two concentrations to be calculated - local anaesthetic and adrenaline (if used). They require a unit conversion. **Local Anaesthetic Concentration:** Concentration is expressed as a percentage (%) & max safe dose is mg/kg. - Must convert % to mg/kg by multiplying the % by 10\. - For example, 1% lignocaine is 10mg/ml and bupivacaine 0.25% is 2.5mg/ml **Adrenaline Concentration:** Epinephrine concentrations are expressed as ratios & need to convert to mg/ml. This can be converted in 2 steps - Convert the ratio as a %: 1 in 100 is 1% and 1 in 1000 in 0.1%. - Multiply the % x 10 to get mg/ml. - For example**,** 1:1000 epinephrine is 1mg/ml. ### Step 2: Calculate Body Weight The Devine formulation is the most commonly accepted calculation (most applicable for people at least 60 inches, or 5 feet, tall): - IBW for men (kg) = 50 + 2.3 \* (Height (in)-60) - IBW for women (kg) = 45.5 + 2.3 \* (Height (in)-60 ### Step 3: Determine Maximum Dose This can be done by consulting your local hospital pharmacy guidelines. The table used at the beginning of this article is a guide only and does not replace your official documentation. ### Step 4: Put Steps 1-3 in a formula ![Maximum Volume of Local Anaesthetic (calculation)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/a0/9f/a09fd7b4-d396-4b28-aed3-b87e20483292/content/images/2021/03/Copy-of-Untitled-2.png) --- ## Local Anaesthetic Toxicity **Key Point** Local anaesthetic toxicity is a very rare side effect but it is potentially lethal. It is a progressive deterioration of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. It is treated with an immediate resuscitation and lipid rescue protocol. ### Signs and Symptoms Local anaesthetic toxicity primarily affects the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. - **Head and Neck:** Dizziness, Disorientation, Tinnitus, Perioral paresthesia - **Heart:** Sinus bradycardia leading to sinus arrest, v. fib with bupivacaine. - **CNS**: Seizures, Coma 💡 Fun Fact: low levels of toxicity cause vasoconstriction and high levels cause vasodilation. ### Treatment Local anaesthetic toxicity should be treated with immediate first aid, consultation with senior colleagues and anaesthetics, and a lipid rescue protocol. An example of this protocol is: - Intralipid 20% bolus 1.5mL/kg - Infusion at 0.25mL/kg/min. Please consult your local guidelines for a hospital protocol. --- ## References 1. 1\. Mustoe TA, Buck DW II, Lalonde DH. The Safe Management of Anesthesia, Sedation, and Pain in Plastic Surgery. **Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery*. October 2010:165e-176e. doi:[10.1097/prs.0b013e3181ebe5e9](https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e3181ebe5e9?ref=theplasticsfella.com) 2. 2\. Williams D, Walker J. A nomogram for calculating the maximum dose of local anaesthetic. **Anaesthesia*. 2014;69(8):847-853\. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24820093](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24820093?ref=theplasticsfella.com).