Study on the efficacy of ELA-Max (4% liposomal lidocaine) compared with EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) using thermosensory threshold analysis in adult volunteers.
BACKGROUND
ELA-Max and EMLA cream are topical anesthetics that have been shown to have similar anesthetic efficacy in previous studies.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ELA-Max in comparison with EMLA cream using a novel method of thermosensory threshold analysis.


METHODS
A thermosensory analyzer was used to assess warmth- and heat-induced pain thresholds.


RESULTS
No statistically significant difference was found in pain thresholds using either formulation. However, EMLA cream increased the heat-induced pain threshold to a greater extent than ELA-Max. Thermosensory measurement and analysis was well tolerated and no adverse events were encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
EMLA cream may be superior to ELA-Max for heat-induced pain. This study suggests that thermosensory measurement may be another suitable tool for future topical anesthetic efficacy studies.
Tang
M B Y
MB
National Skin Centre, Singapore. marktang@nsc.gov.sg
Goon
A T J
AT
Goh
C L
CL
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine