Local anesthetics can interfere with nerve excitation in several ways such as altering the resting or threshold potential of the nerve membrane or decreasing the rate of depolarization. The proposed mechanisms of action include displacement of calcium ions from nerve receptor sites and blockade of sodium channels, decreasing sodium conductance and preventing the development of an action potential. Local anesthetics are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to tissues, with highly perfused organs receiving higher levels. They are metabolized primarily in the liver or plasma and excreted mainly through the kidneys, with esters being hydrolyzed more completely than amides before excretion.