Evaluating the efficacy of commonly used topical anesthetics.

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Roghani S, Duperon DF, Barcohana N

Evaluating the efficacy of commonly used topical anesthetics.

Pediatr Dent. 1999 May-Jun;21(3):197-200.

PubMed ID

10355012 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

PURPOSE: This study compared the efficacy of commonly used topical anesthetics using an objective measuring scale. METHODS: The following were tested: 5% EMLA cream, 10% cocaine, 10% lidocaine, 10% benzocaine, 1% dyclonine, and a placebo. A special instrument was designed to serve the purpose of pressure application on the gingiva to obtain a threshold discomfort level in grams before and after the topical delivery. The medicaments, in the quantity of 20 microL (2-3 drops) were placed on the maxillary anterior region using Beckman paper wicks in the form of discs. The topical anesthetics were left on the gingiva for 3 min and off for another 3 min. The instrument applied pressure progressively, and the pressure application was stopped when the subjects reported the initial feeling of discomfort. RESULTS: 5% EMLA cream significantly reduced the pain threshold level followed by 1% dyclonine and 10% benzocaine. However, there was no significant difference between 10% cocaine, 10% lidocaine, and the placebo. The placebo effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS: 5% EMLA cream was superior in performance to all other topical anesthetics. The remainder of the agents had no statistically different effect than the saline.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Dyclonine	Sodium channel protein type 10 subunit alpha	Protein	Humans	Yes	Inhibitor	Details