Anaes SAQs · Local anaesthetic pharmacology
The mechanism of action of local anaesthetics
The Primary (basic-science) mechanism question — the Na+ channel pore block from inside the axon, the unionised base crossing the membrane then re-ionising, the state-dependent (use-dependent) binding, and the differential block of pain fibres.
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Prompt
Explain the mechanism by which a local anaesthetic blocks nerve conduction. Include the role of the voltage-gated sodium channel, the importance of the ionised and unionised forms, and the concept of use-dependent block.
Question
Explain the mechanism by which a local anaesthetic blocks nerve conduction. Include the role of the voltage-gated sodium channel, the importance of the ionised and unionised forms, and the concept of use-dependent block.
References2ShowHide
- [3]McAllister RK, Patel P. Bupivacaine. StatPearls, 2026.PMID 30422478
- [4]Bersten AD, Soni N (eds) Oh's Intensive Care Manual. 8th edition, Elsevier, 2018.