ACE Question

May 15, 2024 by Dr. Clemens Leave a Comment

For which of the following local anesthetics is the duration of action MOST prolonged by the addition of epinephrine?

(A) Bupivacaine
(B) Lidocaine
(C) Etidocaine

Vasoconstrictors are added to local anesthetic solutions to decrease the rate of vascular absorption of local anesthetic deposited near the nerve. The added vasoconstrictor stimulates α-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing contraction and reduced local blood flow, and thereby slowing local clearance of the local anesthetic. Epinephrine in a concentration of 1:200,000 has been shown to provide the most optimal degree of vasoconstriction compared to norepinephrine or phenylephrine in similar concentrations.

The extent to which epinephrine prolongs the duration of local anesthesia depends on the specific local anesthetic used and the injection site. Epinephrine will significantly extend the duration of action of a short-acting local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine) but will only slightly to modestly prolong the duration of action of a longer-acting local anesthetic such as etidocaine or bupivacaine.

Part of the effect of epinephrine in the epidural and intrathecal space may be due to its action at the α₂ receptors in the spinal cord. α₂-agonists such as epinephrine and clonidine block pain information transmission by activating presynaptic and postsynaptic α₂ adrenoceptors in the spinal cord. This action inhibits substance P release and dorsal horn neuron firing.

Answer: B

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