Local Anaesthesia

Modern local anaesthetics are generally safe, but it is very important to remember that they can have significant cardiovascular and central nervous system side effects. While these are rare, they are dose-related, and more likely to occur with the use of plain local anaesthetic without the vasoconstrictor adrenaline. It is helpful to consult a standard chart of weight-related maximum doses, and extra care is necessary with local anaesthetic use in children.