Formulary
Chloroprocaine hydrochloride: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Chloroprocaine is an ester-type local anaesthetic that blocks the generation and conduction of nerve impulses.
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Chloroprocaine hydrochloride: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Chloroprocaine is an ester-type local anaesthetic that blocks the generation and conduction of nerve impulses.
Drug action
Chloroprocaine is an ester-type local anaesthetic that blocks the generation and conduction of nerve impulses.
Cautions
Acute porphyrias ; cardiovascular disease; complete heart block; debilitated patients (consider dose reduction); elderly (consider dose reduction); low plasma-cholinesterase activity (including severe liver disease); neurological disorders; neuromuscular disorders; partial heart block
Contraindications
Avoid injection into infected tissues; avoid injection into inflamed tissues; hypovolaemia; impaired cardiac conduction; intravenous regional anaesthesia (Bier's block); severe anaemia Contra-indications, further information Injection site Local anaesthetics should not be injected into inflamed or infected tissues nor should they be applied to damaged skin. Increased absorption into the blood increases the possibility of systemic side-effects, and the local anaesthetic effect may also be reduced by altered local pH.
Side effects
General side-effects: Common or very common Anxiety; dizziness; hypotension; nausea; vomiting Uncommon Arrhythmias; hearing impairment; hypertension; loss of consciousness; neurotoxicity; oral disorders; seizure; speech disorder; tinnitus; tremor; vision disorders Rare or very rare Cardiac arrest; drowsiness; faecal incontinence; myocardial contractility decreased; nerve disorders; neurological injury; perineal numbness; sexual dysfunction; urinary incontinence Specific side-effects: Common or very common With intrathecal use Sensation abnormal When used by regional administration Anaesthetic complication; paraesthesia Uncommon With intrathecal use Headache; pain Rare or very rare With intrathecal use Motor dysfunction; respiratory disorders; spinal block When used by regional administration Dyspnoea; respiratory arrest Side-effects, further information Toxic effects after administration of local anaesthetics are a result of excessively high plasma concentrations; severe toxicity usually results from inadvertent intravascular injection. The systemic toxicity of local anaesthetics mainly involves the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. The onset of toxicity can be unpredictable and delayed. Monitor as per local protocol for at least 30 minutes after administration.
Interactions
**Other interactions (1):**
- No studies have been performed on interactions between chloroprocaine and class III antiarrhythmics (e.g.
Pregnancy
Manufacturer advises use only if potential benefit outweighs risk (limited information available); this does not preclude use at term for obstetrical anaesthesia.
Hepatic impairment
Manufacturer advises caution in severe impairment.
Renal impairment
Manufacturer advises use with caution.
Medicinal forms
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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