The Sound of Evolution
Lidocaine
Mechanism of action:
Lidocaine is an amide derivative. Lidocaine blocks voltage-gated Na+ channels and preferentially binds to sodium channels in the open and inactivated states, thereby preventing sodium influx and inhibiting action potential depolarization. As a result, nerve cells or cardiac muscle cells are unable to generate or conduct action potentials.
Reference(s):
1. Khaliq W et al. (2007). Topical lidocaine for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2. Thomson PD et al. (1973). Lidocaine pharmacokinetics in advanced heart failure, liver disease, and renal failure in humans. Ann Intern Med.
3. Geha PY et al. (2007). Brain activity for spontaneous pain of postherpetic neuralgia and its modulation by lidocaine patch therapy. Pain.