Local anaesthetics: prilocaine: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Local anaesthetics: prilocaine

Sample item

Which complication is classically associated with large doses of prilocaine?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Methaemoglobinaemia

Prilocaine is metabolised to o-toluidine, which oxidises haemoglobin to methaemoglobin. Treatment is methylene blue 1 to 2 mg/kg intravenously.

Option by option

  • A. Aplastic anaemia

    Aplastic anaemia is not a feature.

  • B. Methaemoglobinaemia (correct)

    Correct. o-toluidine causes methaemoglobinaemia.

  • C. Pulmonary fibrosis

    Pulmonary fibrosis is not a feature.

  • D. Hepatitis

    Hepatitis is not a feature of prilocaine.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is B, Methaemoglobinaemia. Prilocaine is metabolised to o-toluidine, which oxidises haemoglobin to methaemoglobin.

Why is "Aplastic anaemia" not the answer?

Aplastic anaemia is not a feature.

Why is "Pulmonary fibrosis" not the answer?

Pulmonary fibrosis is not a feature.

Why is "Hepatitis" not the answer?

Hepatitis is not a feature of prilocaine.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Local anaesthetics: prilocaine in Anaesthesia. Treatment is methylene blue 1 to 2 mg/kg intravenously.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Local anaesthetics: prilocaine?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.