Tetracaine, epinephrine (adrenalin), and cocaine (TAC) versus lidocaine, epinephrine, and tetracaine (LET) for anesthesia of lacerations in children.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the duration of anesthesia experienced with lidocaine, epinephrine, and tetracaine (LET) solution and that with tetracaine, epinephrine (Adrenalin), and cocaine (TAC) solution during suturing of uncomplicated lacerations on the face or scalp.


METHODS
Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
The emergency department of a university-affiliated private children's hospital.


METHODS
One hundred seventy-one children with lacerations on the face and scalp requiring suturing.


METHODS
After standard application of the anesthetic solution, patients were assessed for signs of discomfort before and during laceration repair. Duration of anesthesia during laceration repair was determined on the basis of the length of time after removal of the anesthetic solution to the first sign(s) of discomfort that required additional anesthesia.


RESULTS
There was no statistical difference between TAC and LET in adequacy of anesthesia before suturing or in duration of anesthesia during suturing.


CONCLUSIONS
LET is an effective alternative to TAC for topical anesthesia during suturing of uncomplicated lacerations on the face and scalp in children.
Clinical Pharmacy Department, Minneapolis Children's Medical Center, Minnesota.
C G
CG
Schilling
D E
DE
Bank
B A
BA
Borchert
M D
MD
Klatzko
D L
DL
Uden
D000293:Adolescent; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003042:Cocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*; D012996:Solutions; D013537:Sutures; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy
D004338:Drug Combinations; D012996:Solutions; D013748:Tetracaine; C034627:TEC solution; D008012:Lidocaine; D003042:Cocaine; D004837:Epinephrine