[Leocaine--a new generation of local anesthetics]

Leocaine is a new crystal beta-modification of beta-dimethylaminoethyl ether of n-butylaminobenzoic acid hydrochloride. Its chemical formula is the same as for dicaine, but it has a number of advantages over this drug. The anesthetic activity of leocaine is 2.5 times higher than that of dicaine. By the duration and depth of anesthesia 0.3% leocaine solution corresponds to 1% dicaine. Leocaine exerts no toxic effect on the corneal epithelium and its instillation into the conjunctival cavity does not result in the reactive dilatation of corneal or episcleral vessels. Leocaine solution is stable for 2 years. Clinical trials of leocaine carried out on more than 2500 patients showed virtually complete absence of side effects. Commercial manufacture of leocaine is launched at present. One of the commercial preparations represents a 0.3% solution of the active substance in isotonic NaCl solution. Another drug contains, besides leocaine, methylcellulose. Eye drops with leocaine are recommended for practical ophthalmology instead of dicaine for local anesthesia. The drugs are permitted for medical use and commercial manufacture by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Russia.