Local anaesthetic toxicity

Local anaesthetic drugs are widely used for the provision of regional anaesthesia and analgesia. When used properly, they are safe and effective and have only few side effects. However, in case of an accidental intravascular injection or an injection of excessive dose, they can be toxic and neurologic and cardiovascular symptoms may occur Systemic toxicity, although a rare complication, can be life threatening and resistant to treatment. This review offers a brief overview of the current understanding of the circumstances that cause systemic and cardiovascular toxicity in the daily clinical practice and the management of clinical signs and symptoms.