What is a common route of administration for local anesthetics?

Local anesthetics are commonly administered through the subcutaneous route for a variety of procedures, especially for regional anesthesia techniques. Subcutaneous administration allows for the anesthetic agent to diffuse into the surrounding tissues, effectively blocking nerve transmission in the targeted area. This method is practical for procedures involving superficial structures, where pain relief is necessary without affecting deeper structures.

While intravenous administration is sometimes used for systemic effects, particularly with certain local anesthetics, it is not the most common route for localized anesthesia. Inhalational routes are typically reserved for general anesthetics rather than local anesthetics, as these agents function differently and aim to achieve widespread anesthesia rather than targeted pain relief. The intradermal route is used in specific scenarios, like skin testing or some minor procedures but is less common compared to subcutaneous injections for effective anesthesia over a broader area.