Safety of local anesthetics

An Bras Dermatol. 2020 Jan-Feb;95(1):82-90. doi: 10.1016/j.abd.2019.09.025. Epub 2019 Dec 18.

Abstract

Local anesthetics are essential medications for the conduction of dermatological procedures. They stop the depolarization of nerve fibers and are divided into two main categories, the amide and ester types. Systemic toxicity with reflex on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems is their most feared adverse reactions, and the anaphylactic reaction is the most concerning one. Although potentially fatal, these events are extremely rare, so local anesthetics are considered safe for use in in-office procedures.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Anesthetics, local; Drug-related side effects and adverse reactions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Local / therapeutic use*
  • Bupivacaine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity
  • Epinephrine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lidocaine / therapeutic use*
  • Mepivacaine / therapeutic use*
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local
  • Lidocaine
  • Mepivacaine
  • Bupivacaine
  • Epinephrine