What is the Difference Between Lidocaine and Prilocaine

Lidocaine and Prilocaine are two types of anesthetics. Anesthetic drugs are medicines that make you lose feeling or become numb. They’re used in medical procedures to stop pain and discomfort.

What is the difference between Lidocaine and Prilocaine? Lidocaine generally has a faster onset of action, but Prilocaine has a slightly longer duration of action.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Lidocaine 
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Prilocaine
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Lidocaine and Prilocaine
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lidocaine and Prilocaine
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Lidocaine and Prilocaine
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Lidocaine, Prilocaine, Local Anesthetic

What is Lidocaine

Lidocaine is a medication commonly used to numb a specific area of the body and give temporary relief from pain. This is done by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. It is a local anesthetic. It temporarily blocks the nerve endings responsible for transmitting pain sensations. This effect is there for a few hours.

Lidocaine can be topical, injectable, or intravenous. Moreover, Lidocaine is available in various topical forms, including creams, ointments, gels, and patches. In fact, these are applied directly to the skin. Injectable Lidocaines are used in nerve blocks or dental procedures. Sometimes, it is administered intravenously to treat heart rhythm problems.

Lidocaine is used in medical procedures such as dental work, minor surgeries, injections, and certain skin procedures. It can also be used to alleviate pain from conditions like sunburn, insect bites, or minor cuts and scrapes.

What is Prilocaine

Prilocaine is a local anesthetic drug. It prevents pain by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses. Prilocaine is often combined with other local anesthetics, such as Lidocaine or mepivacaine, to improve its effectiveness and duration of action.

The sodium ion channels in the nerve membrane are inhibited by this drug. Hence, the influx of sodium ions is prevented. Due to this, the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals is disrupted.

Prilocaine is used in dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and root canals to provide pain relief. It is also used for minor surgical procedures, like skin biopsies, wound suturing, and abscess drainage. Prilocaine can be injected into the tissues surrounding the surgical site in order to provide local anesthesia. It is also used in nerve blocks.

Similarities Between Lidocaine and Prilocaine

1. Both drugs work by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells.
2. Both mainly help to numb areas of the body before surgical procedures or other painful procedures.
3. Moreover, they are highly effective in providing local anesthesia.

Difference Between Lidocaine and Prilocaine

Definition

• Lidocaine is a local anesthetic drug with the chemical formula C₁₄H₂₂N₂O, while Prilocaine is a local anesthetic drug with the chemical formula C₁₃H₂₀N₂O.

Onset of Action

• Lidocaine generally has a faster onset of action than Prilocaine.

Duration of Action

• Prilocaine typically has a slightly longer duration of action compared to Lidocaine.

Toxicity

• Prilocaine is generally considered less toxic than Lidocaine.

Conclusion

Lidocaine and Prilocaine are two anesthetic drugs useful in medical procedures. However, the main difference between Lidocaine and Prilocaine is that Lidocaine generally has a faster onset of action, but Prilocaine has a slightly longer duration of action.

FAQ: Lidocaine and Prilocaine

1. What is more powerful than Lidocaine?

Bupivacaine, ropivacaine, and levobupivacaine are some other anesthetics that are more powerful than Lidocaine. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

2. Is prilocaine stronger than lidocaine?

Prilocaine and Lidocaine are considered to be of similar strength. They both belong to the amide class of local anesthetics and work by blocking nerve impulses.

3. Is lidocaine or prilocaine safe?

Both Lidocaine and Prilocaine are generally considered safe when used as directed. They are commonly used in local anesthetics.

4. How long does Prilocaine last?

Prilocaine generally provides anesthesia for several hours, depending on the method of application. When used for injections, it can last around 2-3 hours. For topical applications, the effect typically lasts 1-2 hours. However, this may vary according to the concentration and application.

5. What is the disadvantage of Lidocaine?

A disadvantage of Lidocaine is the risk of allergic reactions. Some people may experience allergic responses, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing when exposed to Lidocaine. But these allergic reactions are rare.

Reference:

1. “Prilocaine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanisms of Actions.” Go Drug Bank. 
2. “Lidocaine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanisms of Actions.” Go Drug Bank. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Prilocaine” By Ed (Edgar181) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Lidocaine” By Harbin – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia