Local and regional anaesthesia mnemonic

Separating amide from ester local anaesthetics by name

The mnemonic

Amides have two i's

What each word stands for

  • Two i'sAmides: lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, prilocaine
  • One iEsters: procaine, tetracaine, cocaine, benzocaine

Why it matters clinically

Esters can cause PABA allergy and are hydrolysed by plasma cholinesterase; amides are metabolised in the liver.

Where it stops being reliable

A spelling cue that works for most agents but should be checked against the generic name.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Local and regional anaesthesia mnemonic?

Amides have two i's. It helps you recall: Separating amide from ester local anaesthetics by name.

What does "Two i's" stand for?

Amides: lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, prilocaine

What does "One i" stand for?

Esters: procaine, tetracaine, cocaine, benzocaine

What are all the parts of the Amides have two i's mnemonic?

Two i's: Amides: lidocaine, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, prilocaine; One i: Esters: procaine, tetracaine, cocaine, benzocaine.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Local and regional anaesthesia in Anaesthesia.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A spelling cue that works for most agents but should be checked against the generic name.

How is this useful clinically?

Esters can cause PABA allergy and are hydrolysed by plasma cholinesterase; amides are metabolised in the liver.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Anaesthesia question about Local and regional anaesthesia.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.