Uses

Used as a local anesthetic for dental procedures including infiltration and nerve block anesthesia. Articaine provides anesthesia of the surrounding tissue, while adrenaline (epinephrine) acts as a vasoconstrictor to prolong anesthetic duration and reduce systemic absorption.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensititivity to amide-type local anesthetics or sulfites. Adrenaline should be used cautiously in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or concurrent use of non-selective beta-blockers or monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Side effects

May cause local reactions at injection site, systemic effects from absorbed articaine (dizziness, tinnitus, metallic taste), and cardiovascular effects from adrenaline (palpitations, tachycardia, hypertension). Allergic reactions are rare but possible.

Warnings

Aspiration prior to injection is essential to avoid intravascular injection. Use minimum effective dose of adrenaline in patients with cardiovascular disease. Equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available. Not for intravenous injection.

How it works

Articaine is an amide-type local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve membranes, preventing action potential propagation. Adrenaline stimulates alpha-1 adrenoceptors causing vasoconstriction, which slows articaine absorption, intensifies and prolongs local anesthesia, and reduces bleeding at the operative site.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Protect from light. Do not use discolored solution.