Lidocaine as a diluent for ceftriaxone in the treatment of gonorrhea. Does it reduce the pain of the injection?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the pain associated with ceftriaxone sodium injections by using two different diluents, ie, lidocaine hydrochloride and sterile water.

DESIGN:

Prospective study of adolescents who were culture positive for gonorrhea. Random selection of the diluent used for the intramuscular ceftriaxone therapy.

SETTING:

Urban, hospital-based adolescent medicine service.

SUBJECTS:

Thirty-nine adolescents and young adults, predominantly of black or Hispanic backgrounds, ranging in age between 14 and 23 years (mean age, 17.6 years; median age, 17 years), of whom 27 were females.

METHODS:

Pain predictions were elicited from the adolescents before treatment. Pain ratings were obtained at five time intervals after the injections. All ratings were obtained by using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS:

No pain prediction differences before the injection were noted between the two groups. Individual t tests showed significant pain differences between the two groups at the time after the injection and at 10- and 20-minute and 6-hour intervals. Repeated-measures analysis of variance models showed that the diluent effect on pain was significant.

CONCLUSION:

Lidocaine can reduce the amount of pain of an intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone when compared with sterile water as a diluent. These findings have implications not only for the treatment of gonorrhea but also for other situations where intramuscular injections utilizing a diluent may be necessary.

• Authors: A Schichor, B Bernstein, H Weinerman, J Fitzgerald, E Yordan, N Schechter
• Journal: Archives of pediatrics & adolescent medicine (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med) Vol. 148 Issue 1 Pg. 72-5 (Jan 1994) ISSN: 1072-4710 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8143016 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Pharmaceutical Vehicles
• Water
• Ceftriaxone
• Lidocaine

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Ceftriaxone (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Gonorrhea (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Injections, Intramuscular (adverse effects)
• Lidocaine (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Pain (etiology, prevention & control)
• Pain Measurement
• Pharmaceutical Vehicles
• Water