Procaine

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Procaine (pronounced pro-kane) is a local anesthetic drug of the amino ester group. It is used primarily to reduce the pain of intramuscular injection of penicillin, and it is also used in dentistry.

Etymology

The term "Procaine" was coined in the early 20th century from the chemical name pro (indicating its prodrug nature) and caine, a common ending for alkaloids used as anesthetics.

Pharmacology

Procaine works by inhibiting sodium ion channels on the cell membrane of neurons. This prevents the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses, thereby causing numbness.

Uses

Procaine is often used as a local anesthetic in medical and dental procedures. It is also used to reduce the pain of intramuscular injection of penicillin. In addition, procaine can be used to treat arrhythmias in emergency medicine.

Related Terms

  • Anesthetic: A substance that induces insensitivity to pain.
  • Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms.
  • Prodrug: A medication or compound that, after administration, is metabolized into a pharmacologically active drug.
  • Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heartbeat is irregular, too fast, or too slow.
  • Penicillin: A group of antibiotics that are often used to treat a variety of bacterial infections.

See Also

External links

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