(2) Forms available. Lidocaine is available in injection form (various
percentage concentrations), jelly form, and in cream form.
Mepivacaine (Carbocaine).
b.
(1) Clinical uses. Mepivacaine is pharmacologically and chemically related
to lidocaine. It is used for infiltration, nerve block, peridural, and regional anesthesia.
The duration of action for this drug is from 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
(2)
Forms available. Mepivacaine is available in injection form.
Prilocaine (Citanes).
c.
(1) Clinical uses. Prilocaine is pharmacologically similar to both lidocaine
and mepivacaine. It is used for infiltration, nerve block, peridural, and regional
anesthesia. This drug is less toxic than lidocaine because it is metabolized and
excreted faster than lidocaine.
(2)
Forms available. Prilocaine is available in injection form.
Bipivacaine (Marcaine).
d.
(1) Clinical uses. Bipivacaine is pharmacologically related to lidocaine. It is
used for infiltration, nerve block, and epidural anesthesia.
(2)
Forms available. Procaine is available in injection form.
Dibucaine (Nupercainal, Nupercaine).
e.
(1) Clinical uses. Dibucaine is used for spinal and topical anesthesia. It is
the most potent local anesthetic. It is one of the most toxic and longest-acting local
anesthetics.
(2) Forms available. Dibucaine is available in cream, spray, suppository,
ointment, and injection forms.
Procaine (Novocaine).
f.
(1) Clinical uses. Procaine is used for infiltration, nerve block, and spinal
anesthesia. Procaine is not applied topically. Its duration of action is approximately 1
hour. It is a fairly safe local anesthetic to use since it is metabolized quickly.
(2)
Forms available. Procaine is available in injection form.
MD0804
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