Cinchocaine Other names: Sovcaine Nupercainal Nupercaine Dermacaine Dibucaine

Chemical formula: C₂₀H₂₉N₃O₂  Molecular mass: 343.463 g/mol  PubChem compound: 3025

Mechanism of action

Cinchocaine is a local anaesthetic agent and is suitable for surface or spinal anaesthesia and for relaxing sphincteric spasms. It is an anaesthetic of the amide type. It is more toxic than cocaine by local application but its local anaesthetic action is greater so it can be used in lower concentrations. Its action is more prolonged than lignocaine.

Pharmacodynamic properties

Surface or topical anaesthetics such as cinchocaine block the sensory nerve endings in the skin preventing transmissions of impulses along the nerve fibres and inhibiting depolarisation and ion-exchange. These effects are reversible. Before this blocking action can occur the lipid soluble anaesthetic base must penetrate the lipoprotein nerve sheath and the effectiveness of the anaesthetic depends on the concentration attained in the nerve fibre. The onset of action varies depending on the anaesthetic used. Cinchocaine has a rapid onset of action and is also long lasting.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Most local anaesthetics such as cinchocaine are absorbed through damaged skin. Cinchocaine is an ester-type local anaesthetic. Following absorption it is hydrolysed by esterases in the plasma and liver.

Preclinical safety data

Not applicable.

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