Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided heptanone (e.g. 2-, 3- or 4-heptanone) or a salt thereof for use as a local anaesthetic. In another aspect, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising heptanone (e.g. 2-, 3- or 4-heptanone) or a salt thereof and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or diluents. Also provided is use of heptanone (e.g. 2-, 3- or 4-heptanone) or a salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament for use as a local anaesthetic. Further provided is a method of treating a mammalian subject in need of local anaesthesia, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising heptanone (e.g. 2-, 3- or 4-heptanone) or a salt thereof in an effective amount to a region of the subject in need of local anaesthesia.