The degree of plasma protein binding of individual drugs affects their distribution within the body and the duration of their action. Drugs which have a higher degree of binding have effects for a longer period of time, and in hypoproteinaemic animals, local anaesthetics have a shorter duration of action. For example, [[#Bupivicaine|bupivicaine]] is 95% protein bound, compared to 65% for [[#Lidocaine|lidocaine]], and so its effects will persist longer. | The degree of plasma protein binding of individual drugs affects their distribution within the body and the duration of their action. Drugs which have a higher degree of binding have effects for a longer period of time, and in hypoproteinaemic animals, local anaesthetics have a shorter duration of action. For example, [[#Bupivicaine|bupivicaine]] is 95% protein bound, compared to 65% for [[#Lidocaine|lidocaine]], and so its effects will persist longer. |