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Which local anesthetic is associated with a danger of methemoglobinemia when the dosage exceeds 400 mg?

Lidocaine

Prilocaine

Prilocaine is known to have a specific association with methemoglobinemia, particularly when administered in doses that exceed 400 mg. Methemoglobinemia is a condition where there is an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood, which can impair the oxygen-carrying capacity and lead to serious health issues. Prilocaine can cause this condition due to its metabolite, orthotoluidine, which can oxidize hemoglobin.

The risk is heightened with higher doses, making it crucial for dental professionals to monitor the dosage when using prilocaine. Although other local anesthetics may have their own side effects, they do not share the same significant risk of methemoglobinemia associated with higher doses that prilocaine does. Understanding this relation is essential for safe practice in dental hygiene and anesthesia administration.

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Bupivacaine

Articaine

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