title: 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.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: National Skin Centre, Singapore. marktang@nsc.gov.sg
authors.forename: M B Y
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: A T J
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Goon
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Goh
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine