Indication |
Used to provide topical anesthesia of accessible mucous membranes prior to examination, endoscopy or instrumentation, or other procedures involving the esophagus, larynx, mouth, pharynx or throat, respiratory tract or trachea, urinary tract, or vagina. Also used to suppress the gag reflex and/or other laryngeal and esophageal reflexes to facilitate dental examination or procedures (including oral surgery), endoscopy, or intubation. Also used for relief of canker sores, cold sores or fever blister. |
Mechanism of action |
Local anesthetics block both the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses by decreasing the neuronal membrane's permeability to sodium ions. This reversibly stabilizes the membrane and inhibits depolarization, resulting in the failure of a propagated action potential and subsequent conduction blockade. |
Absorption |
Readily absorbed through mucous membranes into the systemic circulation. The rate of absorption is influenced by the vascularity or rate of blood flow at the site of application, the total dosage (concentration and volume) administered, and the duration of exposure. Absorption from mucous membranes of the throat or respiratory tract may be especially rapid. |
Protein binding |
Not Available |
Biotransformation |
Not Available |
Route of elimination |
Not Available |
Toxicity |
Symptoms of overdose include cardiovascular system depression, CNS toxicity, and methemoglobinemia. |
Affected organisms |
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