The Lidocaine reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Lidocaine

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Chemical structure of lidocaine
Lidocaine
IUPAC name2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)acetamide monohydrochloride
Chemical formulaC14H22N2O·HCl·H2O
CAS number137-58-6
Molecular weight234.3406
Melting point66 - 69
ExcretionRenal
MetabolismLiver

Lidocaine (also called xylocaine and lignocaine) is a popular local anesthetic often used in dentistry or topically.

Lidocaine is the active ingredient in Cloves. In fact, if one were to chew on ground clove powder, one would get a numb mouth. This is because of the lidocaine's local anesthetic effects.

History

Lidocaine, the first amide-type local anesthetic, was developed by Nils Lofgren in 1943 and first marketed in 1948.

Pharmacology

Lidocaine is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. It is faster acting and longer lasting than procaine (novocaine).

When given intravenously, lidocaine is a class Ib antiarrhythmic agent and will block the sodium channel of the cardiac action potential. The half life of intravenous lidocaine is about 110 minutes.

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