Anesthetics, Local
Local anesthetics are used widely to provide anesthesia via local subcutaneous (SC) injection; topical application to skin and mucous membranes; and epidural, spinal, and regional nerve blocks. In addition, lidocaine (See Cimetidine and Other H2 Blockers) is used IV as an antiarrhythmic agent, and cocaine (See Chlorates) is a popular drug of abuse. Commonly used agents are divided into two chemical groups: ester-linked and amide-linked (Table II–2).
Anesthetic | Usual Half-life | Maximum Adult Single Dosea (mg) |
---|---|---|
Ester-linked | ||
Benzocaine b | N/A | |
Benzonatate c | 200 | |
Butacaineb | N/A | |
Butambenb | N/A | |
Chloroprocaine | 1.5–6 min | 800 |
Cocaine b | 1–2.5 h | N/A |
Hexylcaineb | N/A | |
Procaine | 7–8 min | 600 |
Proparacaine b | N/A | |
Propoxycaine | 75 | |
Tetracaine | 5–10 min | 15 |
Amide-linked | ||
Articaine | 1–2 h | 500 |
Bupivacaine | 2–5 h | 400 |