Local anaesthetics are widely used in minor surgeries, for diagnostic purposes and in routine dental practice. Every clinician should be well acquainted with their general pharmacology, maximal doses and possible adverse effects. This review aims to summarize the most relevant knowledge on this subject; brief history, pharmacology, chemistry, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics; the different potential adverse effects including local effects such as neuro- and myotoxicity and systemic ones, as well as possible prevention and treatment of toxicity, allergic reactions and methemoglobinemia.