Lidocaine (lignocaine) is the most important amide local anesthetic. Like other local anesthetics, it slows down the depolarization of the nerve cell membrane. This effect is based on the interaction with a specific receptor site in the sodium channel. Lidocaine reduces the automaticity in the conductive system of the heart by slowing down the diastolic depolarization. Lidocaine can have a stimulating or a sedative effect on the central nervous system.

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