Local anesthetic effects of Lidocaine cream: randomized controlled trial using a standardized prick pain

Abstract Background: ELA-max® (4% Lidocaine) and EMLA® cream (Lidocaine–Prilocaine 2.5%) are topicals used for superficial anesthesia. Only few studies have been published on their comparative effectiveness in close-to-practice pain models. Objective: 1) To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of Lidocaine cream compared with Lidocaine–Prilocaine cream and placebo. 2) To assess the safety and tolerability. Methods: Randomized, three-arm, double-blind trial in 40 healthy volunteers comparing the anesthetic effects of Lidocaine and Lidocaine–Prilocaine cream to placebo at various time points (0–120 min). A standardized pain was induced by lancet pricks and measured by a visual analogue scale. Intra-individual comparison between the test areas was performed in a cross-over design. Results: Lidocaine showed significantly reduced pain compared to placebo at all assessment points. Pain reduction was achieved significantly earlier using Lidocaine occlusively (30 min). No significant differences were found concerning ...