Paikallispuudutuslääke

Paikallispuudutuslääke, known in English as local anesthetic, is a type of medication that causes temporary loss of sensation in a specific area of the body. It works by blocking nerve signals, preventing pain from reaching the brain. This is achieved by interfering with the transmission of sodium ions across nerve cell membranes, which is essential for nerve impulse conduction.

Local anesthetics are widely used in medicine and dentistry for a variety of procedures. In dentistry, they are commonly administered via injection to numb the gums and surrounding tissues before fillings, extractions, or other dental work. In medical settings, they can be applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes, injected into tissues, or administered as nerve blocks to provide anesthesia for minor surgery, wound repair, or pain management.

Common examples of local anesthetics include lidocaine, bupivacaine, and procaine. These drugs can vary in their onset of action, duration of effect, and potency. Side effects are generally minimal when used correctly but can include temporary numbness or tingling, and in rare cases, allergic reactions or systemic toxicity if absorbed into the bloodstream in large quantities. The choice of local anesthetic and its administration method depends on the specific procedure, the patient's medical history, and the desired length of anesthesia.