Iontophoretically applied lidocaine reduces pain on propofol injection

We have compared iontophoretically and locally applied lidocaine for relief of pain on propofol injection. Pain was assessed an insertion of a 20-gaug e i.v. cannula and at 10-s intervals for 30 s after injection of propofol. Pain scores on cannulation were significantly less in the iontophoresis gro up (median 1.1) than in the sham (control) group (median 2.8) (P<0.005). Pa in after injection of propofol was significantly reduced at 10 (P<0.002), 2 0 (P<0.001) and 30 s (P<0.001). We conclude that iontophoretically applied lidocaine decreased the pain of cannulation and propofol injection.