Prilocaine
Uses of Prilocaine
Prilocaine is commonly used to numb tissues in a specific area, local Anesthesia, intravenous regional anesthesia, spinal or epidural anesthesia, perpheral nerve block.
How Prilocaine Works
Prilocaine is a local anaesthetic. It prevents conduction of nerve impulses that provide perception of pain, cold, heat, pressure and touch by selectively binds to the intracellular surface of Na channels and reversibly inhibits influx of Na along nerve fibres.
Side Effects of Prilocaine
Paraesthesia, Dizziness, Low heart rate, High/ low blood pressure, Nausea and vomiting
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
Dose adjustment of Prilocaine may be needed in patients with kidney disease especially if it is administered intrathecally. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Safe
There is no information regarding drug interactions Prilocaine with Alcohol.
Pregnancy Maybe Safe
Prilocaine may be unsafe to use in pregnancy. Animal studies do not indicate any reproductive toxicity to the fetus. Nevertheless, due to high concentrations of anesthetic reaching the foetus, adverse effects such as foetal bradycardia, seem to be most apparent in paracervical block anaesthesia.
Driving Not advisable
Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Prilocaine may cause side effects such as dizziness, labile blood pressure and palpitations, all of which could affect the ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Use With Care
In patients with liver disease, Prilocaine should be used with caution. Dose titration of Prilocaine may be necessary if it is administered intrathecally. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation Not Advisable
Prilocaine enters human breast milk. Therefore special precautions must be taken if Prilocaine must be used during lactation. Please discuss with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
