Procaine
Procaine is a local anesthetic medication used to produce temporary numbness or loss of sensation in a specific area of the body during medical procedures. It works by blocking nerve signals in the area where it is administered, preventing pain sensations from reaching the brain.
A local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals to provide temporary pain relief during minor surgical and diagnostic procedures.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C05AD05
- RxNorm
- 8701
- Generic
- Procaine
- Class
- atc-c05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Used for local infiltration anesthesia, nerve blocks, and regional anesthesia during minor surgical, dental, and diagnostic procedures. Historically also used as a penicillin diluent for extended-release formulations.
Functions as a sodium channel blocker, preventing the generation and transmission of nerve impulses in the area where it is injected, thereby producing temporary local numbness and pain relief.
May cause allergic reactions, particularly in patients with sulfa drug or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) sensitivity. Should be used with caution in patients with heart conditions, low blood pressure, or certain blood disorders. Avoid intravascular injection. Pregnancy category C. Has been largely replaced by amide-type anesthetics like lidocaine in many settings due to shorter duration and higher allergic potential.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy