Which local anesthetic is known for having a longer duration of action?

Bupivacaine is known for its longer duration of action compared to other local anesthetics. This characteristic makes it particularly useful in procedures where extended pain relief is desired, such as in surgery or postoperative pain management.

The longer action is largely due to its pharmacokinetic properties, including its higher lipid solubility, which enables it to stay bound to nerve membranes longer and prolong the duration of nerve blockade. Additionally, bupivacaine has a slower onset compared to some other local anesthetics but compensates for this with its lasting effects, making it ideal for situations where prolonged analgesia is beneficial.

In contrast, lidocaine, procaine, and mepivacaine typically have shorter durations of action and are often used for different types of procedures where a quick onset and shorter pain relief duration is sufficient.