Which local anesthetics are classified as amides?

Local anesthetics are classified into two main categories: amides and esters, based on their chemical structure and metabolism. Amide local anesthetics, such as lidocaine and bupivacaine, are known for their stability and prolonged duration of action. They are metabolized in the liver by hepatic enzymes, a process that can be influenced by factors such as liver function and blood flow.

Lidocaine is one of the most commonly used local anesthetics, favored for its rapid onset and versatile applications in various procedures. Bupivacaine provides a longer duration of anesthesia, making it particularly useful for surgical procedures and post-operative pain management.

In contrast, the other options include local anesthetics like procaine and tetracaine, which are esters, and do not belong to the amide category. Therefore, the classification of lidocaine and bupivacaine as amides is what makes this choice correct, emphasizing the important distinction in the pharmacological properties and clinical uses of these anesthetics.