Oxybuprocaine

Oxybuprocaine (INN), also known as benoxinate or BNX, is an ester-type local anesthetic, which is used especially in ophthalmology and otolaryngology. Oxybuprocaine is sold by Novartis under the brand names Novesine or Novesin.

Safety for use in pregnancy and lactation has not been established.

• In ophthalmology in order to numb the surface of the eye (the outermost layers of the cornea and conjunctiva) for the following purposes:^[1]
  • in order to perform a contact/applanation tonometry,
  • for small operations,
  • in order to remove small foreign objects from the uppermost layer of the cornea or conjunctiva;
• in otolaryngology for numbing the mucous membranes of the nostrils and pharynx, for diagnostic purposes and small operations,^[2]
• for numbing the mucous membranes of bronchi, for example in bronchoscopy,^[2]
• and the oesophagus, for example in intubation.^[2]

Anaesthesia starts with a latency of 30 to 50 seconds and lasts for about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on perfusion. The drug is metabolised by esterases in blood plasma and liver.^[2]

When used excessively, oxybuprocaine like any other topical anesthetic used in the eye and on mucous membranes (like for example tetracaine, proxymetacaine and proparacaine) can cause irritation, hypersensitivity, anaphylaxis, irreversible corneal damage and even complete destruction of the cornea.^[1][3] (Excessive use means several times a day during several days or even weeks.)

Oxybuprocaine is incompatible with silver and mercury salts, as well as basic substances. It also reduces the antimicrobial action of sulfonamides.^[2]

• Topical anesthetic

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