ABSTRACT
Procaine, an ester-type local anesthetic, was formerly widely used, especially in dentistry. The first description of contact sensitivity to procaine was in 1921 in three dentists. While further reports followed, procaine remained popular in dentistry and was also a common constituent of preparations such as eye drops. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis in dentists and physicians became well-known. This chapter provides monographs of procaine which have caused contact allergy/allergic contact dermatitis. The monographs present: identification section; contact allergy (general population, patients with dermatitis, case reports and case series); cross-reactions; patch test sensitization; photocontact allergy; and immediate contact reactions (contact urticaria). The identification section presents IUPAC names, synonyms, CAS and EC numbers, structural and chemical formulas, Merck Index monographs, and advises on patch testing. The chapter also covers an extensive amount of information to benefit dermatologists, allergists, and all others interested in drug allergy.
