Comparison Study on Topical Anesthetic Agents (LMX4 and BLT) Prior to Fractional Skin Resurfacing

Penn State Health

Status: Withdrawn

Conditions: Pain

Treatments: Drug: BLT; Drug: LMX4

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; Industry

Identifiers

NCT01842373

41491

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this research study is to test which topical anesthesia: LMX4 (Lidocaine 4%) or BLT (Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 6%, and Tetracaine 4%) is more effective in reducing discomfort during treatment with the Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 (Solta Medical, Hayward, CA). No studies have been done on the effectiveness of LMX4 versus BLT using the Fraxel DUAL, although individually LMX4, BLT, and the Fraxel DUAL have been studied extensively.

The hypothesis is that there will be no clinical difference between the two topical anesthetics.

Full description

Lasers can be effectively utilized for facial rejuvenation, reduction of photoinduced rhytides, and dyschromia. Topical anesthetics are used to minimize the discomfort associated with laser induced thermal pain. There are currently several formulations of topical anesthesia. However, studies comparing the products are limited especially for the new formulations that claim increased efficacy and faster onset.

LMX4 (Ferndale Laboratories, Ferndale, Michigan) is over the counter topical anesthesia. It is 4% lidocaine that has been formulated into multilamellar vesicles containing several lipid bilayers. This unique liposomal-based delivery system has been reported to deliver a greater concentration of drug. This results in a longer duration of activity and faster onset of action without requiring occlusion.4 Liposomes assist with drug penetration because the skin is lipid bilayer that can encapsulate the drug.

BLT is a compounded topical anesthetic containing 20% benzocaine, 6% lidocaine, and 4% tetracaine. It is commonly prescribed as topical anesthesia. All BLT products will be compounded at the University Physicians Center Pharmacy to ensure safety and uniformity. Anecdotally, some physicians claim it is the topical anesthesia of choice prior to laser surgery.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical anesthetic compounds prior to fractional skin resurfacing.

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 75 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• At least 28 subjects will be included in this study.
• Subjects capable of giving informed consent.
• Patients 18 years of age and older will be included in this study.
• Any patient seeking Fraxel DUAL1550/1927 (Solta Medical) treatment on the face for rhytids, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring at the Hershey Medical Center dermatology clinics will be asked to participate.

Exclusion criteria

• Age <18
• Allergy to lidocaine or tetracaine
• Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding
• Patients with cardiac or respiratory disease, seizure disorders, or neuropathy
• Patients currently taking anxiolytics and opiates

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: Quadruple Blind

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0 participants in 2 patient groups

LMX4

Experimental group

Description:

3 g of LMX4 will be applied to one half of the face for 60 minutes

Treatment:

Drug: BLT

BLT

Active Comparator group

Description:

3 g of BLT will be applied to half of face for 60 minutes

Treatment:

Drug: LMX4