Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the lidocaine/tetracaine patch for induction of local anesthesia prior to minor dermatologic procedures in geriatric patients.
BACKGROUND
Topical anesthetics offer a noninvasive method of anesthesia.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the lidocaine/tetracaine patch, a 1:1 (wt:wt) eutectic mixture of lidocaine and tetracaine, for local anesthesia before minor dermatologic procedures in geriatric patients.


METHODS
In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 79 patients over the age of 65 years received a 30-minute application of either the lidocaine/tetracaine patch or placebo immediately before a shave biopsy or superficial excision. The primary measure of efficacy was patient assessment of procedural pain using the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary efficacy end points included patient, investigator, and independent observer assessments.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference (p = .041) in patient ratings of pain by VAS score in the active group (9.5 mm) compared with the placebo group (22.5 mm). None of the secondary end points showed a statistically significant difference between groups. No adverse events were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
The lidocaine/tetracaine patch is a safe and effective method for noninvasive induction of local anesthesia for minor dermatologic procedures in patients over the age of 65 years.
Schecter
Amy K
AK
Department of Dermatology, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
Pariser
David M
DM
Pariser
Robert J
RJ
Ling
Mark R
MR
Stewart
Daniel
D
Sadick
Neil S
NS
D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D001706:Biopsy; D017679:Cryotherapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013748:Tetracaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; C493081:S-Caine Peel; D013748:Tetracaine; D008012:Lidocaine