Pretreatment with topical 60% lidocaine tape reduces pain on injection of propofol

We determined whether pretreatment with topical 60% lidocaine tape reduced the incidence of pain on injection of propofol compared with mixing intravenous lidocaine with propofol. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 90 patients were allocated to one of three groups: pretreatment with a bioocclusive dressing and administration of a premixed solution of propofol 180 mg and 2 mt of normal saline (Group A); pretreatment with 60% lidocaine tape and a premixed solution of propofol and normal saline (Group B); or pretreatment with a bioocclusive dressing and a premixed solution of propofol 180 mg and lidocaine 40 mg (Group C). The incidences of pain in Groups A, B, and C were 86.7%, 33.4%, and 20%, respectively. Group B and Group C had a significantly lower incidence of pain than Group A. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pain between Group B and Group C. There was no significant difference in the distribution of site of pain on injection of propofol among the three groups. Pretreatment with topical 60% lidocaine tape reduced the incidence of pain on injection of propofol similar to that of intravenous lidocaine mixed with propofol. Implications: Pretreatment with topical 60% lidocaine tape reduces the pain associated with injection of propofol, a frequently used intravenous anesthetic. This approach should increase patient comfort during induction of anesthesia.