Home Analgesics Proxymetacaine (Proparacaine)

Proxymetacaine (Proparacaine)

Proxymetacaine (Proparacaine) In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

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Overview

Local anaesthetic action is achieved through reversible blockade of sodium channels.
This blockade prevents the propagation of action potentials along nerve fibres.
Sensory nerve fibres are affected before motor nerve fibres.
At lower doses, this mechanism allows for selective sensory blockade.

Proxymetacaine finds application on the ocular surface, including the cornea and conjunctival sac, as well as in the external auditory meatus and the nares.
It exhibits a rapid onset of action, typically within 1 minute.
The duration of anaesthesia in the conjunctival sac varies by species and can last between 25 to 55 minutes.
Repeated application of proxymetacaine can extend the duration and depth of anaesthesia.
It’s important to note that topical anaesthetics like proxymetacaine inhibit reflex tear production and should not be used before conducting a Schirmer tear test.

Dogs:

Ophthalmic: 1–2 drops/eye; the maximal effect at 15 min, duration 45–55 min.
Aural/nasal: 5–10 drops/ear or nose every 5–10 min (maximum 3 doses if used intranasally).

Cats:

You Should Give:

Conjunctival hyperemia (redness) is a common occurrence after administration of this medication.
Local irritation, as indicated by chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva), may sometimes persist for several hours following application, although it is less frequent compared to tetracaine.
It’s important to recognize that all topical anaesthetics can be harmful to the corneal epithelium, and using them repeatedly can hinder the healing process of ulcers in the eye.

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