Proxymetacaine is an anesthetic.[1] Intrathecal administration of proxymetacaine reduces motor function, decreases righting behaviors in the placement test, and increases latency to paw withdrawal in the hot plate test in rats (ED50s = 0.24, 0.3, and 0.16 µM/kg, respectively). Topical application of proxymetacaine (0.5% w/v) reduces corneal sensitivity in the corneal touch test in dogs.[2] Formulations containing proxymetacaine have been used to induce anesthesia prior to ocular surgery.
References:
[1].Hung, C.-H., Wang, J.-J., Chen, Y.-C., et al.Intrathecal oxybuprocaine and proxymetacaine produced potent and long-lasting spinal anesthesia in ratsNeurosci. Lett.454(3)(2009).
[2].Herring, I.P., Bobofchak, M.A., Landry, M.P., et al.Duration of effect and effect of multiple doses of topical ophthalmic 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride in clinically normal dogsAm. J. Vet. Res.66(1)77-80(2005).