Novocain is a local anesthetic that is very useful in producing a loss of feeling immediately prior to surgery or dental procedures. The drug is applied through injection of a solution and is relatively short-acting. Due to the high rate of allergenic reactions observed by clinical use of Novocain, the drug has been largely replaced with similar pharmaceuticals (such as Lidocaine) having less potent side effects. There are a number of drugs closely related to Novocain that are also excellent anesthetics including Lidocaine, Propoxycaine, Tetracaine, Prilocaine and Etidocaine. Side effects include skin rash, hives, and itching.