What is Lidocaine?
Anesthesia is artificially inducing insensitivity to pain and there are two types of anesthetics: local and general. Local anesthetics are used for dental procedures and minor surgeries while general anesthetics leave the patient unconscious so that doctors can perform larger surgeries. Lidocaine is an amide based organic compound synthesized to perform the task of a local anesthetic used mainly for dental purposes. It prevents the nerves from sending out painful impulses to the brain, in turn numbing the area of operation so that patients do not feel any pain during the dental procedure. Lidocaine is available in 1% and 2% which provides a rapid, deep and extensive anesthetic action. Common trade names include Anestacaine, UAD Caine, and Xylocaine HCl. There are other minor uses of Lidocaine such as treating pain, itching, soreness and discomfort caused by minor burns, insect bites, eczema and hemorrhoids. Lidocaine may be given as an epidural to reduce pain of contractions during labour and a LidoPen auto-injector is used to treat irregular heart rhythms. Here is a description of the organic compound: