Vapocoolant spray

Cryotherapy Cold/ice packs Ice massage Cold bath Vapocoolant sprays Decreased pain, edema, and inflammation Muscle relaxation and decreased spasticity Anti-inflammatory steroids (glucocorticoids) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (aspirin and similar NSAIDs) Skeletal muscle relaxants Peripheral vasodilators may exacerbate acute local edema Nonselective cholinergic agonists may stimulate the neuromuscular junction Some forms of cryotherapy may produce local vasoconstriction that temporarily impedes diffusion of drugs to the site of inflammation... 

Reis EC, Holobukov R. Vapocoolant spray is equally effective as EMLA cream in reducing immunization pain in school aged children. Pediatrics 1997 100 5. 

Generic Names topical lidocaine/prilocaine, topical lidocaine/tetracaine, tetracaine gel, 4% liposomal lidocaine, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropro-pane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane Trade/Proprietary Names EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics), Synera", Ametop Gel , LMX-4 , PainEase (vapocoolant spray)... 

Vapocoolant sprays have been shown to be beneficial for immunization pain, venipuncture, as well as intravenous cannulation. 

Advantages Vapocoolant is sprayed directly onto the skin or applied to a cotton ball that is held on the area to be anesthetized provides local anesthesia within 15 seconds effective in reducing injection pain in children 4-6 years of age. 

PainEase is a mixture of two fluorocarbons dispensed in spray cans. PainEase is a vapocoolant (skin refrigerant) spray for topical application to skin, intact mucous membranes (oral cavity, nasal passageways and the lips) and minor open wounds [5]. PainEase controls pain associated with injections (venipuncture, IV starts, cosmetic procedures), minor surgical procedures (such as lancing boils, incisions, drainage of small abscesses and sutures) and the temporary relief of minor sports injuries (sprains, bruising, cuts and abrasions). PainEase can also be used for myofascial release procedures employed in physical therapy or physiatry to manage myofascial pain. 

The product is non-flammable. The spray is directed to the area that will be manipulated and the vapocoolant properties offer cutaneous analgesia. The analgesic effect is quite transitory, so the operator must be prepared to proceed with the procedure expeditiously. 

---