Novocain: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com

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# Novocain

Generic name: procaine [ PRO-cane ]
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 5, 2022.

## What is Novocain?

Novocain is a local anesthetic. Novocain causes loss of feeling (numbness) of skin and mucous membranes.

Novocain is used as an injection during surgery and other medical and dental procedures.

Novocain may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

## Warnings

Since there will be decreased sensation of the area where Novocain is injected, use caution to avoid injury to the area during and following treatment.

## Before taking this medicine

Before using Novocain, talk to your healthcare provider if you have

- liver problems;

- bleeding or blood clotting problems;

- heart problems;

- a neuromuscular disease such as myasthenia gravis; or

- other serious medical conditions.

You may not be able to use Novocain, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

It is not known whether Novocain will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Novocain without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether Novocain passes into breast milk. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

## How should I use Novocain?

Your healthcare provider will administer Novocain as an injection.

Detailed Novocain dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Novocain is administered as an injection in a hospital or clinic setting. Missing a dose should not apply.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

## What should I avoid while using Novocain?

Since there will be decreased sensation of the area where Novocain is injected, use caution to avoid injury to the area during and following treatment.

## Novocain (procaine) side effects

Stop using Novocain and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects:

- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

- chest pain or slow or irregular heartbeats;

- dizziness or drowsiness;

- anxiety or restlessness;

- nausea or vomiting; or

- trembling, shaking, or seizures (convulsions).

Other less serious side effects such as numbness, tingling, or minor pain at or around the injection site are more likely to occur. Contact your healthcare provider if these effects seem excessive or prolonged.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

## What other drugs will affect Novocain?

Before using Novocain, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

- warfarin (Coumadin);

- a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

- mecamylamine (Inversine);

- guanadrel (Hylorel) or guanethidine (Ismelin);

- a medicine to treat high blood pressure; or

- a medicine to improve muscle strength or tone for conditions such as myasthenia gravis.

You may not be able to use Novocain, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Novocain. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking or using any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Novocain drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

- Your pharmacist has additional information about Novocain written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about Novocain (procaine)

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- Drug class: local injectable anesthetics
- Breastfeeding

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Local Anesthesia

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.04.