Chloroprocaine is a local hydrochloride anesthetic typically administered through intrathecal injection. This is commonly used during labor and delivery in order to block generation and conduction of nerve impulses. The mechanism of action is thought to increase the threshold for electrical excitation and slow propagation of nerve impulses. This is through inhibiting sodium influx through voltage gated sodium channels, with the sodium flux interrupted the action potential cannot occur. This receptor site is theorized to be within the cytoplasmic portion of the sodium channel. Chloroprocaine is also hypothesized to antagonize NMDA receptors, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and serotonin receptor ion channel complex. Chloroprocaine also acts on blood vessels to stimulate vasoconstriction thus reducing any possible bleeding. Absorption of chloroprocaine is dependent on total dose and concentration as well as route, vascularity and or presence or absence of epinephrine at the administration site. Chloroprocaine is metabolized in the plasma through hydrolysis by the pseudocholinesterase and excreted through the urine.

Chloroprocaine References