Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Local anesthetics are clinically categorized based on their chemical linkage between the lipophilic aromatic ring and the hydrophilic amine group into two classes:
1. Esters (e.g., Procaine, Tetracaine, Cocaine).
2. Amides (e.g., Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, Mepivacaine).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us classify the given local anesthetics:
- A. Tetracaine: Contains an ester linkage. It is metabolized by plasma pseudocholinesterases.
- B. Lidocaine: Contains an amide linkage. It is highly stable and metabolized in the liver.
- C. Bupivacaine: Contains an amide linkage. It provides prolonged duration of block but is cardiotoxic if given intravenously.
- D. Hexacaine: Contains an ester linkage.
- E. Mepivacaine: Contains an amide linkage. It has a medium duration of action and produces minimal vasodilation.
Thus, the amide-linked anesthetics among the choices are Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, and Mepivacaine (B, C, and E).
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct combination is B, C and E only.