Taking the 'sting' out of local anaesthetics.
In order to investigate factors influencing the discomfort caused by the injection of different lignocaine preparations, a randomized, double-blind comparison of paired injections was performed in 32 patients. In all subjects 2% plain lignocaine was found to be more painful than 0.5% plain lignocaine. Lignocaine with adrenaline 1:200,000 was found to be significantly more painful than plain lignocaine. The presence of sodium metabisulphite (the antioxidant in commercial adrenalized lignocaine) significantly increased the discomfort. Neutralization of acidic 0.5% lignocaine (pH 4.7) reduced the discomfort caused in 44% of patients, but this was not statistically significant.
Long
C C
CC
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, U.K.
Motley
R J
RJ
Holt
P J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004339:Drug Compounding; D004837:Epinephrine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007271:Injections, Intradermal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*
D008012:Lidocaine; D004837:Epinephrine