Use of preservative-free lidocaine for cataract surgery in a patient allergic to "caines".
Although many patients have been labeled allergic to local anesthetics (LAs), true allergic reactions to LAs are rare. An 81-year-old woman with a history of procaine (Novocaine) allergy presented for cataract surgery. Skin testing showed sensitivity to amide and ester LAs. Further testing with preservative-free lidocaine was negative, suggesting the patient was allergic to ester LAs and preservatives found in amide anesthetic preparations. Cataract extraction was subsequently and uneventfully performed in both eyes with topical anesthesia using preservative-free lidocaine.
Dance
David
D
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Basti
Surendra
S
Koch
Douglas D
DD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011343:Procaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012882:Skin Tests
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D011343:Procaine; D008012:Lidocaine