Evidence supporting the use of: Procaine
For the health condition: Neuralgia and Neuritis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Procaine, also known as Novocain, is a local anesthetic historically used in the treatment of neuralgia and neuritis, especially before the advent of newer anesthetics and neuropathic pain treatments. The use of procaine for neuralgia (pain along a nerve) and neuritis (inflammation of a nerve) is primarily supported by tradition and clinical practice dating back to the early-to-mid 20th century. Procaine injections, particularly in the form of “procaine blocks,” were commonly administered to provide temporary relief from localized nerve pain. The mechanism is straightforward: by blocking sodium channels in nerve membranes, procaine prevents the transmission of pain signals along nerves.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of procaine specifically for neuralgia or neuritis is limited and largely anecdotal or based on uncontrolled case series. Modern clinical guidelines and systematic reviews rarely mention procaine as a recommended treatment for these conditions, with preference being given to alternative agents and methods such as lidocaine, corticosteroids, or neuropathic pain medications (e.g., gabapentin, amitriptyline). Some small or older studies and textbooks discuss its use, but robust randomized controlled trials are lacking.

In summary, the use of procaine for neuralgia and neuritis has traditional roots and historical precedent, but scientific validation is weak and modern medicine has largely replaced it with newer, better-studied alternatives.

More about Procaine
More about Neuralgia and Neuritis

Other health conditions supported by Procaine

Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)

Products containing Procaine

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