procaine Health Article

Generic name(s):

procaine

Brand name(s):

Novocain

What is the most important information I should know about procaine?

Since there will be decreased sensation of the area where procaine is injected, use caution to avoid injury to the area during and following treatment.

What is procaine?

Procaine is a local anesthetic. Procaine causes loss of feeling (numbness) of skin and mucous membranes.

Procaine is used as an injection during surgery and other medical and dental procedures.

Procaine may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using procaine?

Before using procaine, talk to your healthcare provider if you have

• liver problems;

• bleeding or blood clotting problems;

• heart problems;

• a neuromuscular disease such as myasthenia gravis; or

• other serious medical conditions.

You may not be able to use procaine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

It is not known whether procaine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use procaine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether procaine passes into breast milk. Do not use procaine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use procaine?

Your healthcare provider will administer procaine as an injection.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Procaine is administered as an injection in a hospital or clinic setting. Missing a dose should not apply.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

What should I avoid while using procaine?

Since there will be decreased sensation of the area where procaine is injected, use caution to avoid injury to the area during and following treatment.

What are the possible side effects of procaine?

Stop using procaine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• chest pain or slow or irregular heartbeats;

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• anxiety or restlessness;

• nausea or vomiting; or

• trembling, shaking, or seizures (convulsions).

Other less serious side effects such as numbness, tingling, or minor pain at or around the injection site are more likely to occur. Contact your healthcare provider if these effects seem excessive or prolonged.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect procaine?

Before using procaine, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

• mecamylamine (Inversine);

• guanadrel (Hylorel) or guanethidine (Ismelin);

• a medicine to treat high blood pressure; or

• a medicine to improve muscle strength or tone for conditions such as myasthenia gravis.

You may not be able to use procaine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with procaine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about procaine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Procaine is available with a prescription under the brand name Novocain. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.