Which component is associated with ester-type local anesthetics and can lead to allergic reactions?

Which component is associated with ester-type local anesthetics and can lead to allergic reactions?

• A. Benzocaine
• B. Lidocaine
• C. PABA
• D. Tetracaine

Answer: (C)

Ester-type local anesthetics are rapidly broken down in the body to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) plus an alcohol. PABA can act as an allergen in some individuals, making it a classic source of hypersensitivity reactions associated with ester-type anesthetics. That’s why the component tied to ester LAs and capable of triggering allergies is PABA. While the drugs themselves (like benzocaine or tetracaine) are ester anesthetics, the allergic reactions are most commonly linked to the metabolite PABA. Lidocaine, an amide anesthetic, is not metabolized to PABA and is less typically involved in this specific allergen pathway.

Ester-type local anesthetics are rapidly broken down in the body to para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) plus an alcohol. PABA can act as an allergen in some individuals, making it a classic source of hypersensitivity reactions associated with ester-type anesthetics. That’s why the component tied to ester LAs and capable of triggering allergies is PABA. While the drugs themselves (like benzocaine or tetracaine) are ester anesthetics, the allergic reactions are most commonly linked to the metabolite PABA. Lidocaine, an amide anesthetic, is not metabolized to PABA and is less typically involved in this specific allergen pathway.