Pharmacology · single question
What is the maximum dose of Articaine?
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Correct answer: D. 7 mg/kg
Articaine (4% concentration with 1:100,000 or 1:200,000 epinephrine) has a maximum recommended dose of 7 mg/kg in adults, not to exceed 500 mg per appointment. This is higher than lidocaine (4.4 mg/kg) because articaine is rapidly metabolized by plasma esterases in addition to hepatic metabolism, giving it a favorable safety profile. Note: Articaine use in children under 4 is contraindicated by most manufacturers.
- A. Incorrect. 4 mg/kg is the maximum dose for lidocaine without vasoconstrictors — not articaine.
- B. CORRECT. The maximum dose of articaine is 7 mg/kg (up to 500 mg total per appointment) for adults.
- C. Incorrect. 9 mg/kg exceeds the safe maximum and would risk systemic toxicity.
- D. Incorrect. 3 mg/kg is below the accepted maximum and corresponds to no standard local anesthetic dosing for articaine.