Nesacaine

Generic name: Chloroprocaine [ klor-oh-PROE-kane ]
Brand names: Clorotekal, Nesacaine, Nesacaine-MPF
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 25, 2024.

Uses of Nesacaine:

• It is used to numb an area before a procedure.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nesacaine?

• If you have an allergy to chloroprocaine or any other part of Nesacaine (chloroprocaine).
• If you are allergic to Nesacaine (chloroprocaine); any part of Nesacaine (chloroprocaine); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are taking a sulfa (sulfonamide) drug. Ask your doctor if you are not sure if any of your drugs are a sulfa drug.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Nesacaine (chloroprocaine).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Nesacaine (chloroprocaine) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nesacaine?

For all uses of Nesacaine (chloroprocaine):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Nesacaine (chloroprocaine). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• A severe blood problem called methemoglobinemia has happened with drugs like this one. The risk may be raised in people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart problems, or lung problems. The risk may also be raised while taking certain other drugs and in infants younger than 6 months of age. Tell your doctor if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
• If you are 65 or older, use Nesacaine (chloroprocaine) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Nesacaine (chloroprocaine) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

Spinal:

• This medicine may cause short-term loss of feeling and motor activity in the lower half of your body. Do not try to get out of bed or do other tasks or actions until feeling and motor activity have returned to normal.

How is this medicine (Nesacaine) best taken?

Use Nesacaine (chloroprocaine) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot.
• Your doctor will give Nesacaine (chloroprocaine).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• This medicine is given on an as needed basis.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

For all uses of Nesacaine (chloroprocaine):

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of too much acid in the blood (acidosis) like confusion; fast breathing; fast heartbeat; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; very bad stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up; feeling very sleepy; shortness of breath; or feeling very tired or weak.
• Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; very bad dizziness or passing out; very bad headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be deadly if it happens.
• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, confused, or having blurred eyesight.
• Sneezing.
• Sweating a lot.
• Fever.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Restlessness.
• Headache.
• Anxiety.
• Change in speech.
• Numbness or tingling in the mouth.
• Shakiness.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Ringing in ears.
• Low mood (depression).
• Change in balance.
• Seizures.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Chest pain or pressure.

Spinal:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Not able to get or keep an erection.
• Backache.
• Long-lasting burning, numbness, tingling, or paralysis in the lower half of the body.

Related/similar drugs

lidocaine ophthalmic, cocaine nasal, bupivacaine

What are some other side effects of Nesacaine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where the shot is given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Nesacaine?

• If you need to store Nesacaine (chloroprocaine) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Nesacaine (chloroprocaine), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer