Etidocaine

Etidocaine

Etidocaine is a long-acting local anesthetic that belongs to the amide group of local anesthetics. It is primarily used in anesthesia for surgical procedures and for pain management.

Pharmacology

Etidocaine has a rapid onset of action, typically within 2 to 10 minutes, and a long duration of action, typically 2 to 6 hours. It works by blocking sodium channels in the nerve cells, preventing the transmission of nerve impulses and thus causing numbness.

Etidocaine is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, and its metabolites are excreted in the urine. It has a low risk of systemic toxicity due to its high protein binding capacity and low volume of distribution.

Clinical Use

Etidocaine is used in a variety of clinical settings, including dentistry, obstetrics, and orthopedic surgery. It is often used in combination with other local anesthetics to enhance its effects.

In dentistry, etidocaine is used for local anesthesia during procedures such as tooth extractions and root canal treatments. In obstetrics, it is used for epidural anesthesia during labor and delivery. In orthopedic surgery, it is used for regional anesthesia during procedures such as joint replacements.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of etidocaine are related to its local anesthetic action and include numbness, tingling, and temporary loss of sensation in the area of application. Systemic side effects are rare but can include dizziness, nausea, and hypotension.

Contraindications

Etidocaine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to amide-type local anesthetics. It should be used with caution in patients with liver disease, as its metabolism may be impaired in these patients.

See Also

• Local anesthetic
• Amide
• Anesthesia
• Sodium channels
• Cytochrome P450

‎