Ethyl Chloride
What is ETHYL CHLORIDE?
(ETHYL CHLORIDE) This medication is used to prevent pain caused by injections and minor surgical procedures. It is also used for the temporary relief of minor sports injuries. Ethyl chloride also helps to relieve deep muscle pain when used with muscle stretching techniques. Ethyl chloride is a cooling substance that is applied to the skin to numb it.
How should I use ETHYL CHLORIDE?
This medication is for use on the skin only. It is applied by a healthcare professional. Do not apply to broken skin or mucous membranes (such as inside the nose or mouth). Do not spray into the eyes. Do not inhale the spray. This medication is flammable. Do not use near an open flame or near electrical equipment that can spark a fire. Before applying ethyl chloride to injection and local surgical sites, your healthcare professional will swab the treatment area with an antiseptic. Petroleum jelly may be applied to protect surrounding areas around the surgical site. The ethyl chloride container should be positioned 3-9 inches (8-23 centimeters) away from the skin. If using ethyl chloride in a bottle, it should be held upside down and sprayed onto the area for 3-7 seconds. If using ethyl chloride in an aerosol can, it should be held upright and sprayed onto the area for 4-10 seconds. Your healthcare professional will spray just until the skin starts to turn white, stopping before the skin frosts. The procedure will then be quickly performed because the numbing effect of ethyl chloride only lasts for a few seconds to a minute. For the relief of deep muscle pain, the healthcare professional will hold the container 12-18 inches (30-46 centimeters) away from the muscle, then spray in a sweeping motion at the rate of 4 inches (10.2 centimeters) per second until the entire muscle is covered from the trigger point to the area of pain. The muscle will be slowly stretched during this process until full motion is restored and pain is relieved.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take ETHYL CHLORIDE?
Before using ethyl chloride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What may interact with ETHYL CHLORIDE?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
What if I miss a dose of ETHYL CHLORIDE?
Not applicable.
What side effects may I notice from receiving ETHYL CHLORIDE?
Side effects are not common with this medication. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: lasting changes in skin color, pain as skin is thawing, infection at the application site, delayed wound healing. Tell your doctor right away if you have any very serious side effects (with long-term exposure), including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Where should I keep ETHYL CHLORIDE?
Store at room temperature. Do not store above 122 degrees F (50 degrees C). Contents are under pressure. Do not use near an open flame, electrical equipment that may ignite a fire, or hot surfaces. Do not store on or near high-frequency ultrasound equipment. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.