Which local anesthetic is typically used for its rapid onset and relatively short duration?

Lidocaine is recognized for its rapid onset of action and comparatively short duration of effectiveness among local anesthetics. It typically begins to take effect within a few minutes after administration, making it a popular choice for procedures requiring quick pain relief. The duration of action for lidocaine is generally around 1-2 hours, depending on the formulation and whether a vasoconstrictor is used.

In contrast, other local anesthetics such as bupivacaine are known for their longer durations but have a slower onset. Articaine offers a rapid onset similar to lidocaine, yet its duration of action can be somewhat longer. Mepivacaine has an intermediate duration and onset but is generally not as quick as lidocaine. Thus, lidocaine stands out as the anesthetic of choice when immediate and effective anesthesia is necessary for shorter procedures.