In general, the progression of anesthesia is related to the diameter, myelination, and conduction velocity of affected nerve fibres.
Procaine lacks topical anesthetic activity.
The rate of systemic absorption of local anesthetics is dependent upon the total dose and concentration of drug administered, the route of administration, the vascularity of the administration site, and the presence or absence of epinephrine in the anesthetic solution. It also will promote local hemostasis and increase the duration of anesthesia. Onset of anesthesia with procaine is rapid, the time of onset for sensory block ranging from about 2 to 5 minutes depending upon such factors as the anesthetic technique, the type of block, the concentration of the solution, and the individual patient. The degree of motor blockade produced is dependent on the concentration of the solution. The duration of anesthesia also varies depending upon the technique and type of block, the concentration, and the individual.