Final answer:
The subject of lignocaine involves its pharmacokinetics and potential for toxicity when administered intravenously. Lidocaine's effect on sodium channels explains its numbness and pain relief. Advanced analytical techniques such as LC-/MS/MS are used to determine plasma levels and ensure safe drug dosages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Lignocaine and Plasma Concentration in Medicine
Lignocaine also known as lidocaine, is a local anaesthetic that functions by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, effectively causing numbness and pain relief. It is often used during dental procedures and also has applications in treating arrhythmias in emergency medical settings. Determining the appropriate dosage and understanding the pharmacokinetics is vital for safety and efficacy. In the context of intravenous (IV) administration, lignocaine's plasma concentration can quickly peak as observed in pharmacokinetics graphs depicting IV drug delivery. However, there is a risk of central nervous system (CNS) and cardiovascular system (CVS) toxicity symptoms, including seizures at certain plasma concentrations (e.g., 5mcg/ml). Factors such as drug binding to plasma proteins and brain tissue as well as other pharmacokinetic properties need to be considered to avoid adverse effects. Advanced techniques like LC-/MS/MS are employed for quantification and analysis of such drugs in plasma levels.
Lignocaine's pharmacokinetics can also explain the absence of pain during administration, as the blocking of sodium channels prevents signal transduction and perception. Knowledge of plasma levels, systemic and brain pharmacokinetics, and potential side effects like seizures aids in the clinical application of this medication.