Old Medicine South Africa · SAHPRA

NOVESIN WANDER 0,4 %

OXYBUPROCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE

H1270

What it does

Oxybuprocaine is a local anesthetic used to numb specific areas of the body. It helps reduce pain during medical procedures.

Commonly used for: eye procedures, pain relief in minor surgical interventions

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Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.

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Registration & product details

Registration no.
H1270
Registration date
1975/02/24
Expiry date
-
Status
Old Medicine
Active ingredient
OXYBUPROCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Dosage form
-
Strength
-
Pack size
-
Therapeutic class
-
Manufacturer / MAH
-
Applicant / LTR
Adcock Ingram Limited
Country of origin
-

Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:11:59 · updated 2026-10-21 04:00:08

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (South Africa). Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication.

About this medicine

Oxybuprocaine is a local anesthetic used to numb specific areas of the body. It helps reduce pain during medical procedures.

What it treats

  • eye procedures
  • pain relief in minor surgical interventions

How it works

Oxybuprocaine works by blocking nerve signals in the area where it is applied, leading to temporary loss of sensation.

Who it's for

It is suitable for adults and children needing local anesthesia for minor procedures.

AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.

Clinical monograph: oxybuprocaine

BNF-referenced

Oxybuprocaine is a local anaesthetic belonging to the ester class. It is primarily used for surface anaesthesia in various medical procedures. The compound is known for its rapid onset and effectiveness in providing anaesthesia with minimal irritation compared to other local anaesthetics.

Indications

  • Surface anaesthesia for ophthalmic procedures
  • Local anaesthesia for minor surgical interventions
  • Anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.

Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information.

Mechanism of action

Oxybuprocaine binds to sodium channels and reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane, decreasing its permeability to sodium ions. This action inhibits depolarization of the neuronal membrane, effectively blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.

Pharmacodynamics

As a local anaesthetic, oxybuprocaine provides pain relief by blocking nerve conduction in the area where it is applied. It is noted to be less irritating than tetracaine, with an onset and duration of action comparable to that of tetracaine.

Pharmacokinetics

Oxybuprocaine is absorbed locally at the site of administration. Its pharmacokinetic profile includes a relatively rapid onset of action, with effects typically lasting for a sufficient duration depending on the concentration used and the specific application site. The metabolism and excretion details are not extensively documented but are expected to follow the general pathways of ester local anaesthetics.

Pregnancy

Oxybuprocaine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Breast-feeding

Oxybuprocaine is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when administering to breastfeeding mothers.

Storage

Store at room temperature, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

  • Ophthalmic solution
  • Topical gel

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Clinical monograph: Oxybuprocainehydrochloride

BNF-referenced

Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride is a local anaesthetic primarily used for ocular procedures. It is applied topically to the eye to induce anaesthesia during minor surgical interventions, such as cataract surgery, and is known for its rapid onset and short duration of action. The drug temporarily disrupts the corneal epithelium, providing a suitable environment for eye surgery by minimizing discomfort.

Indications

  • Local anaesthesia for ocular procedures
  • Mydriasis (pupil dilation) during cataract surgery
  • Minor surgical procedures involving the eye

Dosage

Children: Apply as required.

Adults: Apply as required.

Mechanism of action

Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride works by blocking sodium channels in the neuronal cell membranes. By inhibiting the influx of sodium ions, it prevents the generation and conduction of nerve impulses, leading to a reversible loss of sensation in the area where it is applied. This mechanism is typical of local anaesthetics and is crucial for its efficacy in procedures involving the eye.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamic profile of oxybuprocaine hydrochloride includes its local anaesthetic effects, characterized by a rapid onset of action within minutes and a duration that typically lasts for about 15 to 30 minutes. This makes it particularly useful for short procedures. The drug is effective in providing local analgesia without affecting consciousness, allowing for a painless surgical experience.

Pharmacokinetics

Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride has a relatively low systemic absorption when applied topically to the eye. The drug is metabolized in the liver, and its systemic effects are minimal, reducing the risk of systemic side effects. However, caution is advised in patients with conditions that may lead to increased systemic absorption. The half-life and elimination characteristics are not well established but are typically short due to the local application.

Contra-indications

  • History of acute, narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Hypersensitivity to amide-type anesthetics or atropine derivatives
  • Preterm neonates

Adverse effects

  • Headache
  • Hyperemia
  • Hypertension
  • Keratitis
  • Dermatitis
  • Eye disorders

Interactions

  • Anaesthetics, local
  • Antiarhythmics
  • Sympathomimetics
  • Vasoconstrictors
  • Preservatives

Precautions

  • Conditions where systemic exposure to phenylephrine or lidocaine could be harmful
  • Risk of floppy iris syndrome
  • Counsel patients about effects on driving and skilled tasks

Pregnancy

Manufacturer advises to avoid-systemic uptake cannot be excluded; insufficient data available for phenylephrine and tropicamide in pregnancy.

Breast-feeding

Manufacturer advises to avoid-no data available for phenylephrine or tropicamide; lidocaine present in milk in small amounts.

Storage

Store at room temperature, protect from light. Do not freeze.

Formulations

  • Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride 0.4% eye drops (Bausch & Lomb UK Ltd) - 0.5ml unit dose
  • Oxybuprocaine hydrochloride 4 mg per 1 ml Minims
BNF 85 (British National Formulary) p.1311 BNF for Children 2019-2020 p.726 PubChem / pathway

AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.

Molecular reference: oxybuprocaine

PubChem CID 4633

Molecular formula: C17H28N2O3

Mechanism of action

Oxybuprocaine binds to sodium channel and reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane which decreases its permeability to sodium ions. Depolarization of the neuronal membrane is inhibited thereby blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.

Pharmacodynamics

Oxybuprocaine is a local anaesthetic. It may be less irritating than tetracaine, and the onset and duration of action are similar to tetracaine.

Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.