Serum levels of procaine in human after peri-oral injections.

Doses of procaine for dental purposes have been assessed previously as a result of studies of circulating blood levels of procaine after injection of the drug at body sites other than the mouth. This paper reports results of a study of circulating procaine levels in ten healthy volunteers who received 1.8 ml injections of 2% procaine hydrochloride at a defined peri-oral site. General dental practice conditions were simulated as closely as possible. In addition, procaine pharmacokinetics following peri-oral administration were studied. The serum concentration-time data were found to obey the one-compartment open model adequately with first-order absorption and elimination rates.