What is a common side effect of local anesthetics?

Local irritation is a common side effect of local anesthetics. When these agents are administered, they can cause a localized response at the injection site. This irritation can manifest as redness, swelling, and discomfort in the area where the anesthetic was applied. It is not unusual for patients to experience transient sensations that may result in irritation following the injection of local anesthetics, especially if the drug concentration is high or if there is any underlying sensitivity in the tissue.

While other side effects such as headaches or skin rashes may occur under different circumstances or from other medications, they are not typically attributed to local anesthetics in the same way. High blood pressure is also not commonly associated with local anesthetics, as these agents are primarily intended to numb a specific area without causing systemic effects unless they inadvertently enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. Thus, local irritation remains a prominent side effect of their use.