What type of drug is lidocaine classified as?

Lidocaine is classified as a local anesthetic, which means it works by blocking the conduction of nerve impulses in a specific area of the body. This action prevents the sensation of pain in that localized region. Local anesthetics are commonly used in dental procedures to ensure patient comfort by temporarily numbing the area where work is being performed.

Lidocaine achieves its anesthetic effect quickly and is widely used in clinical settings due to its effectiveness and relatively low toxicity compared to other anesthetics. In contrast, antihistamines primarily target allergic reactions rather than pain. Topical anesthetics are a subset of local anesthetics but are specifically formulated for application directly to skin or mucous membranes, while systemic antibiotics are used to treat infections and have no local anesthetic properties.