Overview
DESCRIPTION Chloroprocaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is a sterile non-pyrogenic local anesthetic. The active ingredient is chloroprocaine HCl (benzoic acid, 4-amino-2-chloro-2-(diethylamino) ethyl ester, monohydrochloride), which is represented by the following structural formula: Molecular Formula: C 13 H 19 ClN 2 O 2 • HCl M. W. 307.
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Chloroprocaine, like other local anesthetics, blocks the generation and the conduction of nerve impulses, presumably by increasing the threshold for electrical excitation in the nerve, by slowing the propagation of the nerve impulse and by reducing the rate of rise of the action potential. In general, the progression of anesthesia is related to the diameter, myelination and conduction velocity of affected nerve fibers. Clinically, the order of loss of nerve function is as follows: (1) pain, (2) temperature, (3) touch, (4) proprioception, and (5) skeletal muscle tone. Systemic absorption of local anesthetics produces effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Chloroprocaine hydrochloride injection 2% and 3%, in single dose vials, without methylparaben preservative, without EDTA, is indicated for the production of local anesthesia by infiltration, peripheral and central nerve block, including lumbar and caudal epidural blocks. Chloroprocaine hydrochloride injection is not to be used for subarachnoid administration.
Common Doses
- 11 mg
- 800 mg
- 14 mg
- 1000 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Chloroprocaine may be administered as a single injection or continuously through an indwelling catheter. As with all local anesthetics, the dose administered varies with the anesthetic procedure, the vascularity of the tissues, the depth of anesthesia and degree of muscle relaxation required, the duration of anesthesia desired, and the physical condition of the patient. The smallest dose and concentration required to produce the desired result should be used.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Chloroprocaine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive (allergic) to drugs of the PABA ester group. Lumbar and caudal epidural anesthesia should be used with extreme caution in persons with the following conditions: existing neurological disease, spinal deformities, septicemia, and severe hypertension.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS Systemic: The most commonly encountered acute adverse experiences that demand immediate countermeasures are related to the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. These adverse experiences are generally dose related and may result from rapid absorption from the injection site, diminished tolerance, or from unintentional intravascular injection of the local anesthetic solution. In addition to systemic dose-related toxicity, unintentional subarachnoid injection of drug during the intended performance of caudal or lumbar epidural block or nerve blocks near the...
Interactions
- Clinically Significant Drug Interactions The administration of local anesthetic solutions containing epinephrine or norepinephrine to patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants or phenothiazines may produce severe, prolonged hypotension or hypertension. Concurrent use of these agents should generally be avoided. In situations when concurrent therapy is necessary, careful patient monitoring is essential.