AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph Pregnancy
category B (U.S.) Protein binding 55% | MedlinePlus a603026 ATC code N01BB04 (WHO) Metabolism | |
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Prilocaine (/ˈpraɪləˌkeɪn/) is a local anesthetic of the amino amide type first prepared by Claes Tegner and Nils Löfgren. In its injectable form (trade name Citanest), it is often used in dentistry. It is also often combined with lidocaine as a topical preparation for dermal anesthesia (lidocaine/prilocaine or EMLA), for treatment of conditions like paresthesia. As it has low cardiac toxicity, it is commonly used for intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA).
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Contraindications
In some patients, ortho-toluidine, a metabolite of prilocaine, may cause methemoglobinemia, which may be treated with methylene blue. Prilocaine may also be contraindicated in people with sickle cell anemia, anemia, or symptomatic hypoxia.
People with pseudocholinesterase deficiency may have difficulty metabolizing this anesthetic.
Combinations
It is given as a combination with the vasoconstrictor epinephrine under the trade name Citanest Forte.