Proxymetacaine

Proxymetacaine

File:Proxymetacaine structure.svg
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2-(diethylamino)ethyl 3-amino-4-propoxybenzoate
Clinical data
Pregnancy category	US: C (Risk not ruled out)
Routes of administration	Topical (eye drops)
Pharmacokinetic data
Metabolism	Plasma
Identifiers
CAS Number	499-67-2 5875-06-9 (HCl)
ATC code	S01HA04 (WHO)
PubChem	CID 4935
DrugBank	APRD00522
Chemical data
Formula	C16H26N2O3
Molar mass	294.389 g/mol[[]]
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Proxymetacaine (INN) or proparacaine (USAN), trade names Alcaine, Ak-Taine, and others, is a topical anesthetic drug of the amino ester group. It is indicated for use as an ophthalmic anesthetic (as eye drops) to reduce pain and discomfort during procedures involving the eye. Proxymetacaine is available as its hydrochloride salt in ophthalmic solutions at a concentration of 0.5%.

Mechanism of action

Proxymetacaine is believed to act as an antagonist on voltage-gated sodium channels to affect the permeability of neuronal membranes; how this inhibits pain sensations and the exact mechanism of action of proxymetacaine are, however, unknown.