Local anesthetic (amide): Class Overview and Comparison
Quick answer: Local anesthetic (amide) are a class of medicines used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic covers 7 local anesthetic (amide) substances. Below is a comparison table linking to detailed pages for each.
Local anesthetic (amide) on iMedic (7 substances)
| Substance | Primary indications | Mechanism | Common dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampres | Spinal anesthesia, Regional anesthesia | Chloroprocaine-based local anesthetic blocking sodium channels to prevent nerve | 30-50 mg intrathecal for spinal anesthesia |
| Citanest | Local anesthesia, Regional anesthesia | Prilocaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels to inhibit nerve conduction | Up to 600 mg per procedure |
| Maxilene | Topical anesthesia, Pain from minor procedures | Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes to inhibit pain signal c | Apply 4% or 5% cream topically as needed |
| Nordanest | Local and regional anesthesia, Dental anesthesia | Prilocaine — blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing de | Up to 600 mg per procedure (varies by indication and route) |
| Pankaine Spinal Tung | Spinal anesthesia, Surgical anesthesia | Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibers preventing nerve impulse co | 10-20 mg intrathecal (hyperbaric) |
| Scandonest | Dental local anesthesia | Mepivacaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels to inhibit nerve conduction | 1.8 mL cartridge 3% per dental procedure |
| Xylocain | Local anesthesia, Ventricular arrhythmias | Sodium channel blocker that prevents nerve impulse transmission | Varies by route; topical 2-5%, injection 0.5-2% |
About Local anesthetic (amide)
Local anesthetic (amide) share a common mechanism of action and clinical use. Specific dosing, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions vary between individual substances within the class. Click any substance above for full prescribing information and patient guidance.
Common considerations across the class
- Indication-specific selection: Different members may be preferred for different conditions or patient populations
- Dose equivalence: Members of the same class are not always interchangeable on a 1:1 dose basis
- Drug interactions: Class members often share interaction profiles (e.g., CYP enzyme effects) but individual variation matters
- Side effects: Some side effects are class-wide; others are substance-specific
- Contraindications: Individual contraindications may not generalize across the class
Always consult the prescribing information for the specific medicine prescribed and discuss with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What are Local anesthetic (amide)?
Local anesthetic (amide) are medicines that share a common mechanism of action used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic currently covers 7 substances in this class with detailed pages for each.
Are all Local anesthetic (amide) interchangeable?
No. While medicines in the same class share a mechanism, they differ in potency, dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability. Switching between them is a clinical decision based on individual response, side effects, and treatment goals.
How do I choose between different Local anesthetic (amide)?
Selection depends on the specific clinical indication, patient factors (age, comorbidities, kidney/liver function, other medications), tolerability of side effects, cost, and clinician preference. This is a prescribing decision.
Are Local anesthetic (amide) available as generics?
Most well-established class members are available as generic alternatives, often substantially less expensive than brand-name versions while clinically equivalent. Newer members may still be brand-only.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.