Local Anaesthetic Classification — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — Benzocaine
Benzocaine is an ester-type local anaesthetic and is commonly formulated for topical application to oral mucosa. Lidocaine, prilocaine and mepivacaine are amide-type local anaesthetics. Articaine may appear to be a plausible distractor because its molecular structure includes an additional ester group that permits rapid hydrolysis; however, its linkage to the aromatic portion is an amide linkage, so it is classified as an amide local anaesthetic. Therefore, benzocaine is the only ester-class agent among the listed options.
Reference: Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC), Orajel Extra Strength Summary of Product Characteristics, section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties, last updated 30 April 2015. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1231/smpc