Chloroprocaine hydrochloride

Chloroprocaine hydrochloride [3858-89-7] is characterized by low potency, rapid onset, short duration of action, and low systemic toxicity. It is indicated for infiltration anesthesia at 1—2% and for extradural anesthesia at 2—3% when short surgical procedures are performed under regional anesthesia. Chloroprocaine may be mixed with long duration agents such as bupivacaine (22, R = n-Q [) to afford a more rapid onset and shorter duration of action than bupivacaine alone. 

Chloroprocaine hydrochloride (Nesacaine) is obtained from addition of a chlorine atom to procaine, which results in a compound of greater potency and less toxicity than procaine itself. This local anesthetic is hydrolyzed very rapidly by cholinesterase and therefore has a short plasma half-life. Because it is broken down rapidly, chloroprocaine is commonly used in obstetrics. It is believed that the small amount that might get to the fetus continues to be rapidly hydrolyzed, so there may be no residual effects on the neonate. 

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