Amino esters are a class of local anesthetics. They are named for their ester bond and are unlike amide local anaesthetics.

Structure

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Structurally, amino esters consist of three molecular components:

The chemical linkage between the lipophilic part and the intermediate chain can be of the amide-type or the ester-type, and is the general basis for the current classification of local anesthetics.

Amino esters, in reference to anesthetic agents, are rapidly metabolized in the plasma by butyrylcholinesterase to para-aminobenzoic acid derivatives, then excreted in the urine. This suggests their very short half lives. Allergy is more likely to occur with ester-type agents, as opposed to amide-type.

Examples

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Amino ester-type include:

References

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  • University of Texas Med School, Pharmacology Syllabus.
  • Katzung. 10th edition. Chapter 26.