Dibucaine hydrochloride is an amide type local anesthetic commonly used for topical anesthesia. It is one of the most effective and most toxic topical anesthetic drugs, and its parenteral use is limited. The drug blocks the activation and conduction of nerve impulses by reducing the permeability of neuronal membranes to sodium ions. This reversibly stabilizes the membrane and inhibits depolarization, resulting in failure of the propagation action potential and subsequent conduction block.

1.It is related chemically and pharmacologically to the aminoacyl local anesthetics. It is a homologue of mepivacaine and is chemically related to lidocaine. All three of these anesthetics contain an amide linkage between the aromatic nucleus and the amino. They differ in this respect from the procaine-type local anesthetics, which have an ester linkage.
2.It is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain.
3.It is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic.
4.It is given as an epidural injection into the spinal column to produce numbness during labor, surgery, or certain medical procedures.
5.It is also used as an anesthetic for dental procedures.
6.It may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.