Products
Chloroprocaine is commercially available as a solution for injection from various suppliers. It has been approved in many countries since 1996.
Structure and properties
Chloroprocaine (C13H19ClN2O2, Mr = 270.8 g/mol) is present in drugs as chloroprocaine hydrochloride. It is an ester-type local anesthetic and is equivalent to a singly chlorinated procaine.
Effects
Chloroprocaine (ATC N01BA04) has local anesthetic properties. It blocks the generation and conduction of nerve impulses. The effect is due to blockade of voltage-dependent sodium channels. Effects occur within 6 to 12 minutes and last up to one hour. Chloroprocaine has a very short half-life of 21 to 25 seconds because it is rapidly hydrolyzed by esterases.
Indications
Indications include, depending on the drug:
- Infiltration anesthesia
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Peridural anesthesia, spinal anesthesia
- Intravenous regional anesthesia for upper and lower extremity procedures.
