LIGNOCAINE GEL

Lignocaine Gel: A Critical Analysis

Lignocaine Gel: A Critical Analysis

Introduction

Lignocaine is a drug which is common antiarrhythmic and anaesthetises medicine, also known as Xylocaine and Lidocaine. The drug is prescribed for many problems such as pain caused by skin inflammations, burning or itching. In 1949, Lignocaine was first used in clinical practice. Lignocaine is a lipid soluble amide capable of entering the hydrophobic components of neuronal membranes and preventing the transmembrane flow of sodium ions, necessary for propagation and initiation of nerve signal action potentials.

Xylocaine was initially used as a synthesis, for Lignocaine, by Swedish chemist Nils Lofgren. It is a first amino amide-type local anaesthetic. The first experiment of using Lignocaine was conducted by Bengt Lundqvist on himself. The marketing of the product was first conducted in 1949. The value profile of the drug is characterized by intermediate duration of efficacy and rapid onset of action (Thompson, O'Brien, Young & Mccleane 1999, pp. 1035-1037). These characteristics make lignocaine gel suitable for surface, block and infiltration anaesthesia. Substances like bupivacaine are preferred for peridural and spinal anaesthesia. Rapid onset of action makes Lidocaine gel suitable for other treatments. Arteries are vasoconstricted by Epinephrine which results in delaying resorption of Lidocaine.

Rationale for Choice

The rationale for choosing Lignocaine is the value and efficacy of the drug. Lignocaine is used for various health issues and it also widely used in clinical practice. In order to proof this point, let's study some relevant literature.

Literature Review

Group Blood Concentrations Following 2% Lignocaine Gel Application in Urethra

Dr. Axelsson from the department of Anaesthesia and Urology, Sweden reported that 2% lignocaine gel has been used in Sweden for past 20 years for urethral operations. According to the Doctor, lignocaine gel is less risky especially 2% lignocaine gel. Professor J P Blandy and Mr. J T Flynn, in the report, recommended that 15 ml 1% Lignocaine gel is less risky with lesser toxic reactions (Morton 2008, pp. 65-89). Stats of blood concentrations of the drug were determined after patients received (a) lignocaine "heavy," 100 mg with spinal anaesthesia plus 20 ml % lignocaine gel, (b) 2 % lignocaine gel 40 ml, (c) 2% lignocaine gel 20 ml. Concentrations of blood were; (a) 360 pg/1, (b) 150 pg/1 and (c) 50 pg/1 respectively. The study demonstrated concentration of blood was around 10 times lesser than the measured blood level of Lignocaine (Raj & Mylswamy 2011, pp. 160-163; Sinha, Subramaniam, Chhabra, Pandey, Nandi & Jyoti 2009, pp. 371-375). In the hospital, where study was conducted, around 2000 ambulant patients per year received 2% 50 ml lignocaine gel and there were no complications reported in previous 5 years. Therefore, the preceding dose was considered safe when given carefully and patients have not suffered local anaesthetics allergy previously. The lignocaine gel allows all cystoscopies in men as well as, women (Axelsson 1981, pp. 153).

The Effect of Topical Lignocaine Gel in Pain Relief for Colposcopic Assessment and Biopsy by GCY Wong, RHW Li, TS Wong, SYS Fan The colposcopic procedure is uncomfortable for ...