Amethocaine has recently been introduced as a topical local anaesthetic preparation. Following sporadic reports of severe local adverse effects, we conducted an audit of 372 children attending our hospital for day surgery. We conclude that 4% amethocaine cream is a safe and effective topical anaesthetic and that the incidence of severe local adverse reactions is rare. We also report two of these local reactions, one involving occupational exposure.
McCaffertyD.F., WoolfsonA.D., BostonV.In vivo assessment of percutaneous local anaesthetic preparations.Br J Anaesth1989; 62: 17–21.
2.
WoolfsonA.D., McCaffertyD.F., BostonV.Clinical experiences with a novel percutaneous amethocaine preparation: prevention of pain due to venepuncture in children.Br J Clin Pharm1990; 30: 273–279.
3.
WilliamsD.G., ReynoldsF.Comparison of the vasoactivity of amide and ester local anaesthetics. An intradermal study.Br J Anaesth1985; 57: 1006–1011.
4.
LawsonR.A., SmartN.G., GudgeonA.C., MortonN.S.Evaluation of an amethocaine gel preparation for percutaneous analgesia before venous cannulation in children.Br J Anaesth1995; 75: 282–285.
5.
O'ConnorB., TomlinsonA.A.Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of amethocaine gel applied topically before venous cannulation in adults.Br J Anaesth1995; 74: 706–708.
6.
MolodeckaJ., StenhouseC., JonesJ.M., TomlinsonA.Comparison of percutaneous anaesthesia for venous cannulation after topical application of either amethocaine or EMLA cream.Br J Anaesth1994; 72: 174–176.
