Side effects
Side effects with procaine are rather rare. Procaine has a heart strength and heart rate increasing effect, so that at a normal dose a slight fluctuation of the blood pressure is possible. A higher dose increases this side effect.
Changes can also occur in the ECG, the electrical conduction of the current in the heart. Procaine can cause a shortening on the so-called ST segment and a flattening on the T-wave. Overdosage can also cause sensory disturbances in the lip area and restlessness.
In extreme cases, seizures may occur. In rare cases allergic reactions to procaine are described. These include hives, tissue swelling and shortness of breath.
Slighter allergic reactions, such as localized itching, are more frequently mentioned at the first application. Redness and bruising may also occur at the injection site. The puncture site can also be an entry point for pathogens and thus form an abscess.
Duration of action
The duration of action of procaine is relatively short. Depending on the amount administered, the effect subsides after about two hours. The treatment can be repeated several times.
The short duration of action has the advantage that the anesthesia can be used for short procedures and does not have too long after-effects. This makes procaine useful for outpatient procedures, for example in dentistry. For longer procedures the application has to be supplemented or another drug has to be used.
Costs
Procaine as an injection solution is available from about four euros for ten ampoules of two milliliters each.For outpatient procedures, which are covered by health insurance, local anesthesia with procaine is one of the paid services. For a pain relief when stinging tattoos or similar situations you have to pay for the drug yourself.
Use during pregnancy
Since procaine is not injected into the bloodstream, it can be used during pregnancy. A single application is usually safe both in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. A longer application should not be carried out during the breastfeeding period, because procaine passes into the breast milk.
