Understanding the Pharmacological Properties of Commonly Used Drugs in Day Care Procedures: What is in it for an Anesthetist?

Anaesthesia is an ever evolving branch. In order to understand the function of an anaesthetic drug, it is imperative to assess the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the inducing agent. Levobupivacaine is one such local anaesthetic drug that is commonly used in day care operative procedures. The success of the surgery mainly depends on the safety and efficacy of the drug, that is usually dose responsive. Levobupicavaine is about 97% bound to plasma proteins. Half life of levobupivacaine is 3.3 hours. The volume of distribution is estimated at 66.91 ± 18.23. It is found to have stable effect on the central nervous system, respiratory system, autonomic nervous system as well as it provides hemodynamic stability as well. The most common adverse drug reactions reported are: hypotension (31%), nausea (21%), vomiting (14%), headache (9%), procedural pain (8%), dizziness (6%). It is concluded that levobupivacaine can be used safely as a anaesthetic drug.