Study on the efficacy of ELA‐Max (4% liposomal lidocaine) compared with EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) using thermosensory threshold analysis in adult volunteers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: ELA‐Max and EMLA cream are topical anesthetics that have been shown to have similar anesthetic efficacy in previous studies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ELA‐Max in comparison with EMLA cream using a novel method of thermosensory threshold analysis.

METHODS: A thermosensory analyzer was used to assess warmth‐ and heat‐induced pain thresholds. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in pain thresholds using either formulation. However, EMLA cream increased the heat‐induced pain threshold to a greater extent than ELA‐Max. Thermosensory measurement and analysis was well tolerated and no adverse events were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS: EMLA cream may be superior to ELA‐Max for heat‐induced pain. This study suggests that thermosensory measurement may be another suitable tool for future topical anesthetic efficacy studies.

• EMLA
• ELA‐Max
• topical anesthetics
• thermosensory threshold analysis