Ethyl Chloride Spray

Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray is a vapocoolant (skin refrigerant) intended for topical application to control pain associated with injections, starting IV's and venipuncture, minor surgical procedures (such as lancing boils or incision and drainage of small abscesses), and the temporary relief of minor sports injuries. The medium and fine streams are also intended for use as a counterirritant in the management of myofascial pain, restricted motion, and muscle tension.

Controlling pain associated with injections, minor surgical procedures, and certain other procedures. It is also used to temporarily relieve minor sports injuries. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray is a skin refrigerant. It works by freezing and numbing the skin.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: To apply Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray from the amber bottle, hold the bottle inverted while spraying. Open the dispenseal spring valve completely allowing the Ethyl Chloride Spray to flow from the bottle. To apply Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray from the aerosol can, hold can upright over the treatment area and depress the valve completely allowing Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray to spray from the can.

1. PRE-INJECTION ANESTHESIA: Prepare the syringe. Swab the treatment area with an antiseptic. Amber bottle -spray the target area with Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray continuously for 3 to 7 seconds (aerosol can 4 to 10 seconds) from a distance of 3 to 9 inches (8-23 cm). Spray the area until the skin just turns white; do not frost the skin. With skin taut, quickly introduce the needle. Follow these directions for other types of needle insertion procedures such as starting IV's and venipuncture.
2. TOPICAL ANESTHESIA IN MINOR SURGERY: Clean the operative site with a suitable antiseptic. Apply petrolatum to protect the adjacent area. Amber bottle - spray the target area with Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray continuously for 3 to 7 seconds (aerosol can 4 to 10 seconds) from a distance of 3 to 9 inches (8-23 cm). Spray the area until the skin just turns white; do not frost the skin. Promptly make incision. The anesthetic action of Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray lasts a few seconds to a minute.
3. TEMPORARY RELIEF OF MINOR SPORTS INJURIES: The pain of bruises, contusions, swelling, and minor sprains may be controlled with Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray. The amount of cooling depends on the dosage. Dosage varies with duration of application. The smallest dose needed to produce the desired effect should be used. The anesthetic effect of Ethyl Chloride Spray rarely lasts more than a few seconds to a minute.

   This time interval is usually sufficient to help reduce or relieve the initial trauma of the injury. Determine the extent of the injury (fracture, sprain, etc.). Amber bottle - spray the affected area from a distance of 3 to 9 inches (8-23 cm) for 3 to 7 seconds (aerosol can 4 to 10 seconds) until the skin just turns white; do not frost the skin. Avoid spraying the skin beyond this state. Use as you would ice.

4. SPRAY AND STRETCH TECHNIQUE FOR MYOFASCIAL PAIN: Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray may be used as a counterirritant in the management of myofascial pain, restricted motion and muscle tension. Clinical conditions that may respond to Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray include low back pain (due to tight muscles), acute stiff neck, torticollis, acute bursitis of the shoulder, tight hamstrings, sprained ankle, tight masseter muscles and referred pains due to irritated trigger points. Relief of pain facilitates early mobilization and restoration of muscle function. The Spray and Stretch Technique is a therapeutic system that involves three states: Evaluation, Spraying, and Stretching. The therapeutic value of the Spray and Stretch Technique is most effective when the practitioner has mastered all of the stages and applies them in the proper sequence.

a. Evaluation

If the patient has been evaluated to have pain caused by an active, irritated trigger point then proceed to Step b.

b. Spraying

1. Have the patient assume a comfortable position.
2. Take precautions to cover the patient's eyes, nose and mouth if spraying near the face.
3. Hold the bottle inverted. (Hold the can upright.) From a distance of 12 to 18 inches (30-46 cm) aim the stream so that it meets the skin at an acute angle to lessen the shock of impact.
4. Direct the spray in parallel sweeps 0.5 to 1 inch (1.5-2 cm) apart at the rate of approximately 4 inches/second (10 cm/second). Continue until the entire muscle has been covered. The number of sweeps is determined by the size of the muscle. The spray should be applied from the muscle attachment over the trigger point, through and over the reference zone.

c. Stretching

Passively stretch the muscle during spray application. Gradually increase the force with successive sweeps. As the muscle relaxes, smoothly take up the slack by establishing a new stretch length. It is necessary to reach the full normal length of the muscle to completely inactivate the trigger point and relieve the pain. Rewarm the muscle. If necessary, repeat the procedure. Apply moist heat for 10 to 15 minutes following treatment. For lasting benefit, eliminate any factors that perpetuate the trigger mechanism.

How supplied

CONTENTS: Ethyl Chloride Spray

STORAGE: Contents under pressure. Store in a cool place. Do not store above 120°F (50°C). Do not use near fire or flame or place on hot surfaces.

DISPOSAL: Dispose of in accordance with local, state, and national regulations.

For more information about this product contact Gebauer Company. To order Gebauer’s Ethyl Chloride Spray, ask for:

• Fine Stream Spray - 3.5 oz. Glass Bottle - P/N 0386-001-04
• Medium Stream Spray - 3.5 oz. Glass Bottle - P/N 0386-001-03
• Mist Spray - 3.5 oz. Can - P/N 0386-0001-02
• Medium Stream Spray - 3.5 oz. Can - P/N 0386-001-06

Call for a distributor near you. 800-321-9348. www.gebauerco.com. FDA revision date: n/a

See also:
What is the most important information I should know about Ethyl Chloride Spray?

Ethyl Chloride Spray is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to it.

Use Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Do not apply to damaged, blistered, broken, or inflamed skin.
• When using Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray to freeze areas of skin, be sure to apply petrolatum to surrounding areas as directed by your doctor to avoid freezing outside the treatment site.
• Be sure you understand how to properly use Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray, including how far away from your skin you should hold the container and how long to spray it. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about the proper use of Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray.
• If you are using the amber bottle: Hold the bottle upside down while spraying. Be sure to open the spring valve completely to allow Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray to flow from the bottle.
• If you are using the aerosol can: Hold the can upright over the treatment area. Press the valve completely to allow Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray to spray from the can.
• If you miss a dose of Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray, continue to use it as directed by your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride Spray spray.

No information provided

See also:
What are the possible side effects of Ethyl Chloride Spray?

Thawing of frozen tissue after surgery may be painful. Chemical frostbite may occur following prolonged spraying onto the skin. Nephrotoxicity or hepatotoxicity (long-term exposure).