procaine hydrochloride /prō″kān/ , a local anesthetic of the ester family. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is administered for local anesthesia by infiltration and injection and for caudal, epidural, and other regional anesthetic procedures. It is not used for topical anesthesia. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to anesthetics of the ester group prohibits its use. It is not injected into inflamed or infected tissue, and large doses are not given to patients with heart block. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the most serious adverse effects are potentially serious neurological and cardiovascular reactions that result from inadvertent intravascular administration. Allergic reactions also may occur.
