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Pharmacology · single question

In local anesthetics, increased lipid solubility is most directly associated with:

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  1. Greater potency
  2. Faster onset of action
  3. Shorter duration of action
  4. Lower protein binding
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Correct answer: A. Greater potency

  • A. Correct. Higher lipid solubility allows the drug to penetrate nerve membranes more readily, increasing POTENCY (it also tends to prolong duration).
  • B. Onset is governed mainly by the pKa (proportion of un-ionized drug), not lipid solubility.
  • C. Higher lipid solubility tends to LENGTHEN, not shorten, duration.
  • D. Duration is linked to PROTEIN BINDING; lipid solubility relates to potency.

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