ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the toxicity associ ated with the use of local anesthetic agents. Some historical background on the devel opment of local anesthetics and their tox icity is provided, with particular attention to the early use of cocaine and its associ ated toxicity and addiction liability. In or der to understand the systemic toxicity of this class of drug, information on the vari ous factors that influence its toxic action are discussed. Systemic toxic reaction in volving the central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system (CVS) are ad dressed, as well as local neurotoxicity and allergic reactions. A discussion of preven tion and treatment of systemic toxic reac tion involving local anesthetic agents is pro vided.
