Which of the following local anesthetics can cause methemoglobinemia if overdosed?

Cocaine is known to have the potential to cause methemoglobinemia, especially in cases of overdose. Methemoglobinemia occurs when hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood, is oxidized into methemoglobin, which does not bind oxygen effectively. This can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, causing symptoms like cyanosis.

Cocaine, as a local anesthetic, has a unique profile and can produce this condition due to its pharmacological actions and the metabolites formed during its metabolism. While other local anesthetics are used commonly and can have various adverse effects, they are generally not associated with the risk of methemoglobinemia in the same way that cocaine is.

Lidocaine, bupivacaine, and procaine are all local anesthetics, but they do not typically lead to methemoglobinemia, even in cases of overdose. Their mechanisms of action and metabolic pathways do not contribute to the formation of methemoglobin to a significant extent, differentiating them from cocaine. Thus, cocaine is the correct answer as it is specifically associated with this adverse effect when dosage exceeds safe limits.