Oxybuprocaine (benoxinate) hydrochloride (MINIMS®) is a local, surface anaesthetic of the ester type. It has been shown to give effective surface anaesthesia in short opthalmological procedures. Sensation of pain is locally and reversibly reduced, with the possibility of temperature and pressure sensitivity also affected. Anaesthetic activity is ten times that of cocaine and twice that of tetracaine (amethocaine). Oxybuprocaine (benoxinate) binds to sodium channel and reversibly stabilizes the neuronal membrane which decreases its permeability to sodium ions. Depolarization of the neuronal membrane is inhibited thereby blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses.