A comparison of three formulations of TAC (tetracaine, adrenalin, cocaine) for anesthesia of minor lacerations in children.

Abstract

A randomized, prospective, double-blind study comparing three formulations of the topical anesthetic solution TAC for laceration repair was undertaken in 250 children. The children's wounds were anesthetized with either TAC I (original formulation--0.5% tetracaine, 1:2000 Adrenalin, 11.8% cocaine), TAC II (1.0% tetracaine, 1:4000 Adrenalin, 7.0% cocaine), or TAC III (1.0% tetracaine, 1:4000 Adrenalin, 4.0% cocaine) prior to repair. The solutions were compared with respect to efficacy, acceptability, wound complications, and side effects. We found comparable efficacy of the three formulations, with similar efficacy to 1% lidocaine infiltration for facial and scalp wounds. Anesthesia for extremity wounds was adequate in only 39.9% of cases, regardless of TAC strength. Wound complications and side effects were within expected and acceptable limits. Our findings support use of TAC for face and scalp lacerations and a change to a less concentrated TAC preparation, such as our "TAC III," which is presumably safer for widespread use.

• Authors: S M Smith, R C Barry
• Journal: Pediatric emergency care (Pediatr Emerg Care) Vol. 6 Issue 4 Pg. 266-70 (Dec 1990) ISSN: 0749-5161 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2290723 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anesthetics, Local
• Drug Combinations
• Tetracaine
• TEC solution
• Cocaine
• Epinephrine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Analysis of Variance
• Anesthetics, Local (adverse effects)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cocaine (adverse effects)
• Double-Blind Method
• Drug Combinations
• Drug Evaluation
• Epinephrine (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Postoperative Complications
• Prospective Studies
• Skin (injuries)
• Tetracaine (adverse effects)