Iontophoretically applied lidocaine and the prevention of pain associated with the injection of intravenous propofol: a comparison with intravenous lidocaine.

Abstract

Pain following the injection of propofol is a common problem. It is often treated by the coadministration of intravenous lidocaine. Iontophoresis, which facilitates the delivery of charged molecules such as lidocaine to body tissues, may be a practical alternative to lessen the pain. The iontophoretic application of lidocaine was compared with intravenous lidocaine to assess the relative efficacy of reducing pain during propofol administration. The incidence rate of moderate or severe pain was significantly greater in the iontophoresis group (26.7 compared with 6.9% in the intravenous lidocaine group) (P < 0.05). The iontophoretic administration of lidocaine 60 mg does not compare favourably with lidocaine 40 mg mixed with propofol for the reduction of pain on administration of propofol.