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Procaine and Local Anesthetic Toxicity: A Collaboration Between the Clinical and Basic Sciences.
James Seth Jacob1, Anthony L Kovac
1From the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS.
Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
|September 28, 2017
Summary
Procaine, a local anesthetic, can cause fatal toxicity in large doses. Research in the 1920s explored its risks and protective measures against adverse reactions.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Medical History
Background:
- The American Medical Association investigated local anesthetic toxicity in 1924.
- Procaine was identified as a safer alternative to cocaine but still posed risks.
Observation:
- A controversy arose regarding systemic adverse reactions to procaine.
- Dr. John Lundy and Dr. Robert Isenberger initiated a collaboration in 1928.
Findings:
- Research focused on procaine doses for local and spinal anesthesia.
- Sodium amytal's protective effects against procaine toxicity were investigated.
Implications:
- This work contributed to understanding systemic reactions to local anesthetics.
- Findings informed the cautious clinical use of procaine.
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