Nupercaine is one of a number of new local anesthetics recently put on the market and recommended as of value in ophthalmology. Chemically it is the hydrochloride of alpha-butyl-oxycinchoninic acid diethylethylene-diamide and thus belongs to the quinoline group and is related to quinine. It is non-narcotic and bears no relation to cocaine. It occurs in colorless crystals, easily soluble in water and alcohol; solutions are very stable and withstand repeated sterilization without loss of potency. Alkaline-free glass containers should be used to prevent precipitation, or a few drops of very dilute hydrochloric acid may be added to the solution. Vasodilatation occurs when it is used topically or is infiltrated, and a few drops of epinephrine may be added to counteract that effect.
The toxicity of nupercaine should be kept in mind when it is used for infiltration. According to Uhlmann's1 determination, the lethal dose by subcutaneous