Sodium channel inhibitors are a class of medications that block the flow of sodium ions through sodium channels in cell membranes. These channels play a crucial role in generating electrical signals in nerve and muscle cells. By inhibiting these channels, these drugs can help manage conditions like epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and certain cardiac arrhythmias. Common examples of sodium channel inhibitors include carbamazepine and lidocaine. They work by stabilizing the inactive state of sodium channels, reducing excessive neuronal firing or abnormal heart rhythms. This mechanism makes them valuable in treating various neurological and cardiovascular disorders.