Proparacaine and Benoxinate are considered to be ___________ based drugs.

Proparacaine and Benoxinate are classified as ester-based drugs due to their chemical structure, which includes an ester functional group. This classification is significant in ocular pharmacology because ester-based local anesthetics are characterized by their rapid onset and relatively short duration of action compared to amide-based anesthetics.

The esters are hydrolyzed by plasma esterases, which contributes to their rapid metabolism and shorter duration. This property is particularly beneficial in ocular procedures, where the goal is typically to achieve temporary anesthesia without prolonged effects.

This understanding is vital for practitioners when considering the appropriate anesthetic for various ophthalmic procedures, as the choice between ester and amide anesthetics can impact patient comfort and the duration of action needed. The distinction between these classifications also helps in anticipating possible side effects or reactions based on the metabolic pathways of the drugs.