Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane) is used as a topical spray in minor sports injuries. It acts as a topical anesthetic (relieves pain) and muscle spasms instantly.

Ethyl chloride Uses:

• Topical anesthetic:

  • It is used as a topical anesthetic to relieve pain and spasms associated with minor sports injuries.
  • It is also used to manage muscle strain, restricted motion, and myofascial pain.
  • It may be used prior to an intravenous line placement, injection, venipuncture, a minor surgical procedure such as draining an abscess, and lancing boils.

Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane) Dose in Adults

Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane) Use as a topical anesthetic: 

• Minor surgical procedures and pre-injection anesthesia:

  • It is sprayed over the affected area for 3 to 7 seconds (amber bottle) or for 4 to 10 seconds (aerosol).
  • The medicine is sprayed from a distance of 3 - 9 inches and until the skin just turns white.

• Myofascial pain (spray and stretch technique):

  • It is sprayed over the affected area in parallel sweeps of 0.5 to 1 inch apart at a rate of four inches (10 cm/seconds) at a distance of 12 to 18 inches while the muscle is stretched passively.
  • The number of sweeps is determined by the size of the muscles.

• Relief of minor sports injuries:

  • Use the smallest effective dose. The dose varies with the duration of the application.
  • It is sprayed over the affected area for 3 to 7 seconds (amber bottle) or for 4 to 10 seconds (aerosol).
  • The medicine is sprayed from a distance of 3 - 9 inches and until the skin just turns white.

Use in Children:

Refer to adults dosing.

Use in pregnancy and lactation:

• The drug may get absorbed from the skin. However, the amount that is absorbed into the systemic circulation is not known.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dose in Liver disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Side effects of Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane):

• Dermatologic:

  • Allergic skin reaction (rare)
  • Dyschromia (pigment alteration due to freezing)
  • Recall skin sensitization (mucous membrane)

Contraindications to Ethyl Chloride (Chloroethane):

• Allergy to ethylchloride or any other component of the formulation

Warnings and precautions

• Systemic effects

  • If the medicine is used for a prolonged period of time and covers a large area of skin, it may be absorbed.
  • There have not been any cases of chronic poisoning.
  • It is possible that it could cause liver damage and kidney damage, as it is a well-known toxin.

Ethyl chloride: Drug Interaction

Note: Drug Interaction Categories:

• Risk Factor C: Monitor When Using Combination
• Risk Factor D: Consider Treatment Modification
• Risk Factor X: Avoid Concomitant Use

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned. Monitor the response to treatment.

How to administer Ethyl chloride?

• This product is only for topical use. Avoid spraying it on the eyes, mucosa, and oral cavity.
• Before spraying, remove the spring valve from the amber bottle dispenser.
• Invert the spray. Keep the aerosol bottle upright while spraying.
• To minimize any local reactions, such as skin frosting, it is best to avoid prolonged spraying.
• For protection, apply petrolatum to any skin that is being used for local freezing of tissues.
• Apply moist heat for between 10 and 15 minutes to myofascial pain after it has been administered.

Mechanism of action of Ethyl chloride:

It is also known as a Vapocoolant, which instantly lowers the body temperature. This causes temporary analgesic effects.

Duration:

• A few seconds to 1 minute

International Brand Names of Ethyl chloride:

• Aethylum Chloratum
• athylchlorid Sintetica
• Chloraethyl
• Chloraethyl Adroka
• Cloretilo Chemirosa
• Cryogesic
• Holsten aktiv
• Traumazol
• WariActiv
• Wariactiv

Ethyl chloride Brands Names in Pakistan:

Brands Available in Pakistan will be updated later.