Which one of the following groups is responsible for the potency and the toxicity of local anesthetics?
a) Ionizable group
b) Intermediate chain
c) Lipophylic group
d) All of the above
The correct answer is (d) All of the above.
The potency and toxicity of local anesthetics are influenced by three main groups:
– Ionizable group (a): The presence of an ionizable group, such as a tertiary amine, affects the drug’s ability to cross cell membranes and bind to receptors.
– Intermediate chain (b): The length and structure of the intermediate chain influence the drug’s lipophilicity and ability to interact with receptors.
– Lipophylic group (c): The lipophylic group, typically an aromatic ring, contributes to the drug’s ability to interact with the lipid bilayer of neurons and receptors.