Articaine is a short-acting local anesthetic of the amide type
whose structure is similar to that of other local
anesthetics but Articaine is exceptional because it contains
an additional ester group that is hydrolyzed very quickly in
the blood.
Articaine causes a transient and completely reversible nerve
block because it prevents the generation and conduction of
the nerve impulse by decreasing the neuronal membrane’s
permeability to sodium ions. This reduction causes a
depolarization of membrane and increases the threshold that
is necessary for electrical excitability.
To exert its anesthetic action, Articaine stabilizes the neuronal
membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the
initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.
Epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction which restricts the
absorption of the anesthetic, prolongs its action and
diminishes its systemic toxicity.
