Which local anesthetic agent has the shortest duration of action?

Chloroprocaine is recognized for its short duration of action among local anesthetic agents due to its rapid metabolism and elimination. This particular agent is an ester-type local anesthetic, which is hydrolyzed quickly by plasma cholinesterase, leading to a shorter half-life compared to amide-type local anesthetics like lidocaine, bupivacaine, and mepivacaine. The rapid breakdown of chloroprocaine translates into quick onset but a limited duration of anesthetic effect, making it suitable for procedures requiring only brief anesthesia. Understanding the metabolic pathways and properties of local anesthetics is crucial in selecting the appropriate agent for various clinical scenarios.