​Pharmacology - Benzocaine

​Pharmacology - Benzocaine 
How Articaine Works 
Blocks the conduction of action potentials in nerves. At lower concentrations, it blocks pain fibers with smaller diameters.

Action Mechanism The blocking of intracellular voltage-gated Na+ channels occurs in a dose-dependent manner. Transports itself across cell membranes in its uncharged, lipid-soluble state.Weakly basic local anesthetics (LAs) are more effective at ionizing in tissues with inflammation because of the lower pH.

Like lidocaine, articaine is an amide-type LA; however, it differs in that it has an extra ester group that is hydrolyzable quickly, resulting in a short plasma half-life of only 30 minutes.

Application in Clinical Practice 
The preferred local anesthetic for dental procedures in numerous nations is articaine mixed with epinephrine.

Adverse Effects
 Because it breaks down quickly in the blood, it is not harmful. Use with caution for mandibular nerve blocks; could cause paresthesia.