Drug Classification: Local Anaesthetics

UNDER REVIEW (September 2016)

Mechanism of Action:

A sodium channel block blocker (Class 1b). Has its major effect on electrically excitable tissues such as cardiac cells and nervous tissues.

1. Anti-arrhythmic action – reduces the rate of depolarization of cardiac action potential, increases effective refractory period and decreases atrioventricular conduction.
2. Local anaesthetic effect. Reduces conduction in sensory neurones.

Lecture and CAL materials:

• Lecture: Pharmacodynamics I and II
• Lecture: Drugs used for Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Lecture: Pain and Analgesia (Lecture 2): Analgesics and other drugs used to treat pain
• CAL: Cardiac Arrhythmia
• CAL: Local Anaesthesia