Question

Which of the following is the pharmacological action of local anesthetics?

(a) Reversible block of conduction in nerve

(b) Class II antidysrhythmic like action

(c) Contraction of smooth muscle

(d) Excitation of neuro-muscular transmission in skeletal muscle

This question was addressed to me at a job interview.

Question is from Mechanism of Action of Local Anesthetic topic in portion Local & General Anesthetics, Opioid Analgesics, Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse of Drug Biotechnology

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Reversible block of conduction in nerve

To explain I would say: Pharmacological action by local anesthetics are a reversible block of conduction in nerve, direct relaxation of smooth muscle & inhibition of neuromuscular transmission in skeletal muscle producing vasodilatation. Local anesthetics gives Class I antidysrhythmic like action on the heart.