← Search & browse all drugs
NERVOUS SYSTEM › ANESTHETICS › ANESTHETICS, LOCAL › Other local anesthetics
ethyl chloride
N01BX01
Forms & Strengths
- Topical spray: 100g aerosol canister
- Topical mist/stream: 103.5g (144 mL) bottle
Adult Dosing
- Topical local anesthesia: Hold canister upside down, 12-18 inches from target area, and spray until skin turns white (frosting)
- Myofascial pain/trigger points: Spray in parallel sweeps along the muscle toward the referred pain pattern
Pediatric Dosing
- Topical local anesthesia (children): Same as adult dosing, exercise caution to avoid frostbite on delicate pediatric skin
Indications
- Topical local anesthesia for minor surgical procedures (e.g., lance boils, drainage of small abscesses)
- Temporary relief of myofascial pain, trigger points, and restricted motion
- Minor sports injuries (sprains, contusions)
Mechanism of Action
- Rapid evaporation of the chlorofluorocarbon-free or chlorinated hydrocarbon spray cools the skin instantaneously
- Depresses sensory nerve conduction via local freezing temperatures to provide short-term pain relief
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to ethyl chloride
- Application on broken skin, mucous membranes, or large open wounds
- Use near the eyes or ears
Adverse Reactions
- Frostbite or tissue necrosis from excessive application
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Skin pigmentation changes
- Transient sensory hypesthesia
Drug Interactions
- None significant due to minimal systemic absorption when applied topically as directed
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use