How much local anesthetic is contained in 3 cartridges of 4% prilocaine?

To determine the amount of local anesthetic contained in 3 cartridges of 4% prilocaine, we first need to understand the concentration and volume of prilocaine in a standard cartridge. Each cartridge typically contains 1.8 mL of solution.

When we calculate the total amount of prilocaine in one cartridge, we can use the formula:

Amount of drug (mg) = Concentration (mg/mL) × Volume (mL).

For a 4% solution, this means there are 40 mg of prilocaine per mL (since 4% is equivalent to 4 g/100 mL or 40 mg/mL). Therefore, in one cartridge (1.8 mL), the calculation is as follows:

40 mg/mL × 1.8 mL = 72 mg of prilocaine in one cartridge.

Now, for three cartridges, we multiply the amount in one cartridge by three:

72 mg × 3 = 216 mg.

This calculation confirms that the total amount of local anesthetic in 3 cartridges of 4% prilocaine is indeed 216 mg. This method of calculating the total amount based on the concentration and volume is a standard practice in dentistry to ensure accurate dosing for local