chloroprocaine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Ester-type local anaesthetic
Licensed role
Spinal anaesthesia for short planned surgery in adults
Administration
Injected into spinal fluid by an appropriately trained doctor
After the procedure
Move carefully until sensation and movement return, and follow the anaesthetic team's driving advice
What is chloroprocaine hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for:
Spinal anaesthesia in adults having a short planned surgical procedure.
How does chloroprocaine hydrochloride work?
It temporarily blocks electrical impulses along nerves, preventing pain signals from the numbed area reaching the brain until the anaesthetic wears off.
chloroprocaine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 10 mg/mL
How to take chloroprocaine hydrochloride
This is not self-administered. A trained doctor injects it into spinal fluid after confirming needle position. Vital signs are monitored, with emergency equipment and medicines available.
Tell the anaesthetist about allergies, previous reactions to anaesthetics, heart or neurological conditions, liver or kidney disease, porphyria, bleeding problems and all medicines you take.
Move carefully until normal sensation and strength return.
Do not drive or use machinery unless the responsible doctor says it is safe.
chloroprocaine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Low blood pressure
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Dizziness
- Tingling or altered sensation
- Temporary difficulty passing urine
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling, wheezing, breathing difficulty, faintness or collapse
- High or total spinal block causing profound low blood pressure, slow heartbeat or breathing difficulty
- Seizures, loss of consciousness or other signs of local-anaesthetic toxicity
- Irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest
- Persistent weakness, numbness, loss of sensation, or loss of bladder or bowel control
chloroprocaine hydrochloride in pregnancy
It is not generally recommended during pregnancy because evidence is limited. It may be considered when expected maternal benefit outweighs potential fetal risk; this does not preclude use at term for obstetric anaesthesia. Specialist assessment is required.
chloroprocaine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether chloroprocaine or its metabolites enter human milk. The clinical team should balance breastfeeding benefits against the need for the anaesthetic and advise whether interruption is necessary.
chloroprocaine hydrochloride interactions
The anaesthetist should review all medicines before administration. Important interactions include:
Sulfonamide antibacterials
A chloroprocaine metabolite may inhibit their antibacterial action, so concurrent use should be avoided.
Class III antiarrhythmics, such as amiodarone
Cardiac effects may be additive; careful observation and ECG monitoring are advised.
Other local anaesthetics
Cardiovascular and central nervous system effects may be additive.
Common questions about chloroprocaine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is chloroprocaine hydrochloride a general anaesthetic?
No. It is a local anaesthetic that numbs part of the body rather than causing unconsciousness, although sedation or another anaesthetic may be used separately.
Will I be awake?
Spinal anaesthesia usually allows you to remain awake while your lower body is numb. The team will explain whether sedation or general anaesthesia is also planned.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.