obucaine hydrochloride

Obucaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic of the ester type, historically used primarily in ophthalmology for topical anesthesia of the eye. It works by blocking sodium channels on neuronal membranes, thereby inhibiting nerve impulse conduction and producing localized loss of sensation. Obucaine is structurally related to other ester-type local anesthetics such as procaine and cocaine but has been largely replaced in clinical practice by safer and more effective agents like lidocaine due to its potential for toxicity and allergic reactions. Its primary indication was short-term surface anesthesia during minor ocular procedures.

Other names

obucaineobucainum hydrochloridum