Which local anesthetic is primarily metabolized by plasma cholinesterases?

The local anesthetic that is primarily metabolized by plasma cholinesterases is 2-Chloroprocaine. This is significant because it highlights how the metabolism of certain anesthetics can impact their duration of action and the speed of their clearance from the body.

2-Chloroprocaine is unique among local anesthetics as it has a very rapid onset and a short duration of action, primarily due to its quick breakdown by plasma cholinesterases. This enzymatic activity allows for a fast recovery from the effects of the anesthetic, making 2-Chloroprocaine particularly useful in situations where a quick return to normal function is desired, such as in outpatient procedures.

In contrast, the other local anesthetics listed, such as Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, and Mepivacaine, are metabolized primarily in the liver and have different metabolic pathways and durations of action. This distinction is crucial for clinicians when selecting an anesthetic for a specific procedure, especially considering factors such as patient health, procedure length, and desired recovery time.