Local Anesthetic API

Local anesthetics are among the most transformative discoveries in medical history, enabling pain-free surgery, dentistry, and numerous diagnostic procedures. Among the many agents developed, two names stand as pillars in the field: ​Procaine​ (Novocain) and ​Lidocaine​ (Xylocaine). One is the pioneering ester that started a revolution, and the other is the versatile amide that came to dominate modern practice. This guide explores their histories, mechanisms, applications, and why understanding their differences remains crucial for clinicians and industry professionals today. The Historical Pioneers: Two Different Eras ​Procaine, synthesized by Alfred Einhorn in 1905 and introduced as "Novocain," was the first truly safe and effective synthetic local anesthetic. It freed medicine fro...