Procaine
Pronunciation: (pro-KAYN).
- Generic name
- Procaine
- Brand names
- Procaine Hydrochloride, Procan, Procainum, Gerovital H3, Novocaine, Novocain
- Drug class
- Local Anesthetic (Ester type)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Procaine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Procaine works
Procaine is an ester-type local anesthetic that works by reversibly blocking sodium ion influx through voltage-gated sodium channels in neuronal membranes. This inhibition prevents the initiation and propagation of nerve impulses, resulting in localized loss of sensation. (1)
What Procaine is used for
Local anesthesia (infiltration)
Local anesthesia (infiltration) (1)
Spinal anesthesia
Spinal anesthesia (1)
Epidural anesthesia
Epidural anesthesia (1)
Peripheral nerve blocks
Peripheral nerve blocks (1)
Before taking Procaine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to procaine or other ester-type anesthetics, severe heart block, or acute infections at the injection site. (Contraindication) (1)
Tell your clinician about
(1)How to take Procaine
- General Instructions: Procaine is administered by a healthcare professional, typically as an injection near the area requiring anesthesia.. Adult Dosing: The dose varies depending on the procedure, area to be anesthetized, and patient factors. Typical concentrations range from 0.25% to 2% procaine hydrochloride, with total dose not exceeding 500 mg per procedure.. Pediatric Dosing: Dosing in children is weight-based and should be determined by a pediatric specialist. Maximum safe doses are lower than for adults.. Administration: Given by slow injection into or around the area to be numbed. Only a trained healthcare professional should administer procaine.. When To Stop: Procaine is a single-use medication for procedures. If you develop an allergic reaction or severe side effects, inform your provider immediately.. Storage: Store procaine injection at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
Procaine is administered as a single dose for procedures; missed doses are not applicable. If a scheduled procedure is missed, contact your healthcare provider.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, irregular heartbeat, respiratory depression, or loss of consciousness. Seek emergency medical help immediately if overdose is suspected. (1)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nervousness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Blurred vision
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tremors
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Convulsions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypotension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Bradycardia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Serious allergic reactions can occur, especially in those with a history of allergies to local anesthetics — serious
Symptoms: Serious allergic reactions can occur, especially in those with a history of allergies to local anesthetics. Use with caution in patients with heart block or severe cardiac disease. May interact with certain medications, including sulfonamides and antiarrhythmics. Not for use in patients with known ester-type anesthetic hypersensitivity. Use caution in elderly or debilitated patients due to increased risk of toxicity.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to procaine or other ester-type anesthetics, severe heart block, or acute infections at the injection site. Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment, pseudocholinesterase deficiency, or myasthenia gravis.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Procaine may interact with sulfonamide antibiotics, increasing the risk of side effects. It may also interact with antiarrhythmic drugs, cholinesterase inhibitors, and other local anesthetics. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA label does not provide procaine-specific pregnancy safety data; local anesthetics are used in obstetric anesthesia when medically indicated, and use during pregnancy should be directed by the treating clinician/anesthesiologist. (1)
Breastfeeding
The FDA label does not address breastfeeding specifically; discuss breastfeeding timing after procaine anesthesia with the treating clinician. (1)
Children
Frequency: Not established for children.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not established for children.. Max Single Dose: Not established for children.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (1)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label gives no specific hepatic-impairment dosing table for procaine. Unlike amide-type local anesthetics, procaine (an ester-type anesthetic) is metabolized mainly by plasma pseudocholinesterase rather than the liver, so hepatic impairment is less likely to cause drug accumulation, but the label still recommends reduced doses in debilitated or acutely ill patients generally. (1)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label gives no specific hepatic-impairment dosing table for procaine. Unlike amide-type local anesthetics, procaine (an ester-type anesthetic) is metabolized mainly by plasma pseudocholinesterase rather than the liver, so hepatic impairment is less likely to cause drug accumulation, but the label still recommends reduced doses in debilitated or acutely ill patients generally. (1)
Monitoring
(1)Storage
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) as directed on the product labeling; protect from light and do not use if the solution is discolored or contains particulate matter. Administered only by a healthcare professional.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Local anesthesia (infiltration)
Dose summary: Procaine is typically administered as a local anesthetic via injection.
Renal context: The FDA label for NOVOCAIN (procaine hydrochloride) injection gives no specific renal-impairment dosing table; it directs that debilitated, elderly, or acutely ill patients receive reduced doses appropriate to their weight and physical status. Procaine's metabolites are partly renally excreted, so the treating clinician should individualise dosing in significant renal impairment rather than follow a fixed adjustment figure. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is procaine used for?
Procaine is used as a local anesthetic to numb specific areas during minor surgical, dental, or diagnostic procedures.
How quickly does procaine work?
Procaine typically begins to work within 2–5 minutes after injection, with effects lasting about 30–60 minutes depending on the dose and site.
Can procaine cause allergic reactions?
Yes, procaine can cause allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to ester-type anesthetics. Symptoms may include rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Is procaine safe during pregnancy?
Procaine should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by a healthcare provider. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
What should I tell my doctor before receiving procaine?
Inform your doctor about any allergies, heart conditions, liver disease, or medications you are taking before receiving procaine.
Can procaine be used in children?
Yes, but dosing must be carefully adjusted based on the child's weight and medical condition. Only a pediatric specialist should administer procaine to children.
What are the signs of procaine overdose?
Signs of overdose include seizures, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness. Seek emergency help immediately if these occur.
What happens if I take too much Procaine?
Taking too much Procaine can lead to serious side effects, including central nervous system toxicity (e.g., seizures, dizziness, tremors) and cardiovascular issues (e.g., irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure). If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Prompt treatment is essential to manage symptoms and prevent severe complications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Procaine?
It is generally advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Procaine, especially if it's administered systemically. Alcohol can exacerbate the central nervous system depressant effects of local anesthetics, potentially leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired coordination. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice regarding alcohol consumption.
What is the mechanism of action of Procaine?
Procaine is an ester-type local anesthetic that works by reversibly blocking sodium ion influx through voltage-gated sodium channels in neuronal membranes. This inhibition prevents the initiation and propagation of nerve impulses, resulting in localized loss of sensation. (1)
What is the generic name of Procaine?
The generic name is Procaine. It is sold under brand names including Procaine Hydrochloride, Procan, Procainum, Gerovital H3, Novocaine, Novocain.
What class of drug is Procaine?
Procaine is classed as: Local Anesthetic (Ester type).
References
- Procaine — Prescribing InformationMedGuideGlobal · United States · accessed 2026-08-03 · source 1
- NOVOCAIN (procaine hydrochloride) prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- BICILLIN CR (PENICILLIN G BENZATHINE AND PENICILLIN G PROCAINE) INJECTION, SUSPENSION [PFIZER LABORATORIES DIV PFIZER INC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- BICILLIN CR — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA NDA050138)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Procaine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 106558)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Procaine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.