Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CHIROCAINE versus NOVOCAIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: CHIROCAINE versus NOVOCAIN.
CHIROCAINE vs NOVOCAIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Chirocaine (levobupivacaine) is a long-acting local anesthetic of the amide type. It blocks sodium channels, inhibiting nerve impulse initiation and conduction, thereby producing local anesthesia.
Procaine, an ester-type local anesthetic, reversibly binds to the intracellular portion of voltage-gated sodium channels, inhibiting sodium influx and blocking nerve impulse conduction.
0.5% to 0.75% solution; epidural: 10-20 mL of 0.5% solution (50-100 mg) as initial dose; for surgical anesthesia, 15-20 mL of 0.75% solution (112.5-150 mg); repeat doses of 0.25% to 0.5% solution at 40-60 minute intervals as needed. Maximum single dose: 225 mg.
Local infiltration: 0.5% solution, up to 20 mL (100 mg) per dose; nerve block: 1-2% solution, 5-10 mL (50-200 mg); maximum single dose: 7 mg/kg or 350 mg (without epinephrine).
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is 0.5–1.5 hours (adults) and 1–2 hours (neonates). Clinically, this short half-life limits accumulation with repeated doses.
Plasma half-life: approximately 30–60 seconds due to rapid hydrolysis by pseudocholinesterases; clinical effects short-lived.
Renal excretion accounts for approximately 95% of the dose, with most being eliminated as metabolites (mainly p-aminobenzoic acid and other conjugates) and less than 5% as unchanged drug. Biliary/fecal excretion is minimal (<5%).
Renal excretion of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and diethylaminoethanol as major metabolites; <2% excreted unchanged in urine. Biliary/fecal: minimal.
Category C
Category C
Local Anesthetic
Local Anesthetic