Sports Medicine : Topical Anesthetics

Analgesic gels and sprays can be compounded to reduce pain and bleeding secondary to lacerations. The search for a "topical anesthetic that affords painless, safe application, does not contain narcotics or controlled substances, and has a maximum safety with complete anesthesia" revealed that LAT gel (lidocaine, adrenaline, tetracaine) is superior to preparations containing cocaine for topical anesthesia in laceration repair. Epinephrine (adrenaline) in the gel helps to stop bleeding secondary to injury.

Pediatrics 1995 Feb;95(2):255-8 Lidocaine adrenaline tetracaine gel versus tetracaine adrenaline cocaine gel for topical anesthesia in linear scalp and facial lacerations in children aged 5 to 17 years.

Ernst AA, Marvez E, Nick TG, Chin E, Wood E, Gonzaba WT Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University, New Orleans.

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