ABSTRACT
Use of local anaesthetics (LA) Lidocaine is the most commonly used LA. ■ It is often formulated with epinephrine for injection because epinephrine ■ constricts local blood vessels and minimises escape of lidocaine into the general circulation and keeps it at the site of injection for longer. Local anaesthetics, e.g. lidocaine, may be formulated as gels (used in ■ dentistry; rubbed on gums). Lidocaine is used as a gel together with chlorhexidine for urethral ■ catheterisation. Lidocaine as an ointment is used to alleviate pain and discomfort for: ■
herpes simplex (e.g. cold sores; genital herpes) ❚ herpes zoster (shingles) ❚ perineal itching, e.g. pruritus ani ❚ epidural injection to reduce the pain of childbirth; a local anaesthetic, ❚ often together with an opioid, is injected into the epidural space and blocks passage of nerve impulses.
