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Epinephrine Mechanism in LA — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePharmacologyEpinephrine Mechanism in LANDEB AFK

Epinephrine in local anaesthetic solutions acts primarily by which mechanism?

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Correct answer: DStimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors causing local vasoconstriction

Epinephrine in local anaesthetic acts primarily through α1-adrenergic receptor stimulation, causing vasoconstriction of arterioles at the injection site. This reduces blood flow, slowing systemic absorption of the anaesthetic, thereby prolonging duration of action, increasing depth of anaesthesia, reducing bleeding, and decreasing the risk of systemic toxicity. The standard dental concentration is 1:100,000 (10 μg/mL) or 1:200,000 (5 μg/mL).

Reference: Malamed – Handbook of Local Anesthesia, 7th ed., 2020