Novocaine, also called procaine, is an injectable anesthetic that prevents pain by numbing a small, localized area. It was previously frequently used in dental or skin procedures, though lidocaine is more commonly used now. Generally speaking, the word “novocaine” is used to describe various types of local anesthesia.
This article reviews the uses, side effects, and risks of novocaine
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Terminology
Technically, the words “procaine” and “novocaine” are synonymous and may be used interchangeably. “Novocain” is a trade name for the generic drug procaine. Just like Band-Aid and Kleenex are brand names that became household words to describe adhesive bandages and facial tissues, respectively, the word “novocaine” (with an “e”) has become a generic term.
The word “novocaine” is often used to describe various types of local anesthesia, such as Xylocaine (lidocaine), Citanest (prilocaine), or Septocaine (articaine).