Surface anaesthetic properties of the new local anaesthetic amid etidocaine (Duranest): A laboratory evaluation.

The surface local anaesthetic properties of the new local anaesthetic amid etidocaine (Duranest) were studied in experimental animals. Etidocaine produced topical local anaesthesia of high intensity, rapid onset and with a comparatively long duration of action following corneal, intranasal and intratracheal application. The surface anaesthetic activity of etidocaine was substantially greater than that of lignocaine, similar to that of bupivacaine but less than that of amethocaine. When applied to the mucous surfaces of the nose and the respiratory tract, etidocaine was less toxic than amethocaine and bupivacaine but more toxic than lignocaine. The data justify a clinical evaluation of etidocaine as a surface anaesthetic.