How long to the effects of local anesthetic last?

Question

i was just wondering how long the area stays numb as opposed to general anesthetic.

Answer 1

There are different kinds of anesthetics agents given locally which duration of action differ from each other.

>>Lidocaine usually lasts for 30-60 minutes.
>>Bupivacaine and Prilocaine lasts for 30-90 minutes.
>>Mepivacaine lasts for 45-90 minutes.
>>Etidocaine lasts for 2-3 hours.

For local anesthetic, 1% lidocaine is often used. If longer effect is required, lidocaine is usually combined with epinephrine to prolong its anesthetic effects. If more prolonged anesthesia is desired, lidocaine are sometimes mixed with bupivacaine.

Answer 2

It depends on the drug, where it is given, and whether epinephrine is added to it. Individual differences also play a role.

Most local anesthetics are vasodilators, so adding epinephrine (a potent vasoconstgrictor) prolongs the duration of action.

Local anesthetics can be given by infiltration, into the spinal fluid or in the epidural space, directly into the veins with a tourniquet (Bier block), or as a tumescent solution (as with liposuction).

Lidocaine will have varying durations of action depending on how it is given. As a pinal, you might get 45 minutes out it. As a tumescent solution, 12-18 hours.

Commonly, we'll inject a mixtureof 2 different numbing medicines - usually lidocaine and bupivicaine. The lidocaine acts quickly but doesn't last long. The bupivicaine takes longer to work, but lasts longer. The combination will start working quickly and last for hours.

Of course, with general anesthesia, you don't get numb at all. (Unless the surgeon injects local while you are asleep, which is common.)

Sorry that I can't give you a better answer, but there are so many variables!

Answer 3

2 to 3 hours

Answer 4

that depends on the type of an anaesthetic and the amount given. It also depends on the individual. eg in a fat or obese individual the effects will last much longer as the anaesthetic is stored in fat.

Answer 5

It should not last that long though.