After reading this article you will learn about the classification of anaesthetics. Distribution of Volatile Anaesthetics: Volatile anaesthetics are stable within the body and are eliminated in the same form in which they are inhaled. Their movement within the body confirms to the fundamental gas laws. A volatile anaesthetic affects the nervous tissue by reversible physical union with the vital [...]
This category includes alcohols and alkyl halides that act non- specifically as local anaesthetics for certain application. They do not constitute routinely used local anaesthetic agents, and most possess actions in addition to some local anaesthetic activities. i. Ethanol: Ethanol applied to skin and allowed to evaporate acts as a refrigerant. Mucosal applications are irritating due to dehydration, and precipitation [...]
This article throws light upon the three main factors affecting local anaesthetic action. The factors are: 1. Type of Nerve Fibre 2. pH and pKa 3. Potentiators. Factor # 1. Type of Nerve Fibre: Small (thinner) nerve fibres such as thinner sensory and postganglionic sympathetic fibres (C-type) and preganglionic sympathetic fibres (B-type) are most sensitive to conduction blockade by local [...]