Procaine Hydrochloride Injection

What is Procaine Hydrochloride Injection?
Procaine Hydrochloride is the classic ester-type local anesthetic, famously known as the first synthetic substitute for cocaine. It is characterized by a short duration of action and a slow onset. While newer "amide" anesthetics like Lidocaine have largely replaced it for routine numbing, Procaine remains a vital clinical tool, particularly in cases where the rapid metabolic breakdown of an ester anesthetic is preferred or for specialized diagnostic blocks.
Uses of Procaine Hydrochloride Injection
Infiltration Anesthesia: Local numbing for minor surgical procedures, suturing, and skin biopsies.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks: Used to anesthetize specific nerves or nerve plexuses for short-term pain relief or surgical interventions.
Spinal Anesthesia: Occasionally used for short-duration subarachnoid blocks (though less common today).
Diagnostic Neuralgia Blocks: Used to identify the source of chronic pain; its short duration helps clinicians isolate specific nerve pathways.
Dental Anesthesia: Historically a staple in dentistry for extractions and fillings (though now mostly superseded by Articaine or Mepivacaine).
How Does Procaine Hydrochloride Injection Work?
Procaine works by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. It binds to voltage-gated sodium channels on the internal surface of the nerve cell membrane. This prevents the influx of sodium ions, essentially "quieting" the nerve so it cannot transmit pain signals to the brain. As an ester, it is rapidly hydrolyzed in the plasma by the enzyme pseudocholinesterase into para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which contributes to its short half-life.
FAQs on Procaine Hydrochloride Injection
1. How long does the effect of Procaine last? Procaine is a short-acting anesthetic. The duration of action is typically 30 to 60 minutes. This can be slightly extended if it is administered in combination with a vasoconstrictor like Epinephrine, which slows its absorption into the bloodstream.
2. Why is Procaine less common than Lidocaine today? Lidocaine has a faster onset and a more intense "block" than Procaine. Additionally, because Procaine is metabolized into PABA, it has a slightly higher risk of causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals compared to the newer amide-class anesthetics.
3. What is the "Novocain" connection? "Novocain" was the original brand name for Procaine. It became so popular in the early 20th century that the name became synonymous with dental numbing, even though most modern dentists now use different, more advanced medications.
Therapeutic Category
Anesthetics (Local Anesthetic - Ester type)
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