Allergic reactions to local anesthetic mepivacaine in dental procedures: a case report

Abstract

Local anesthetics are an essential part of pain control during dental treatment. Despite its effectiveness and safety, patients should constantly be aware of potential adverse effects, including allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to amide-type local anesthetics (LAs), such as lidocaine and mepivacaine, are rare compared to those to ester-type LAs. Herein, we report the case of a patient with a history of allergy to lidocaine and mepivacaine, with symptoms of itching, diffuse erythema of the wrists and hands, dizziness, and pectoralgia. This case report emphasizes the importance of collecting medical and dental histories of patients is necessary, and how an allergy test in the allergy and clinical immunology department helps select safe LAs for patients.