Abstract

Certain antipyretic analgesics are advocated for topical use to relieve acute or chronic pain. It is alleged, without scientific evidence to support the claim, that they possess local anesthetic activity. This study was undertaken to determine whether or not these ingredients possess local anesthetic activity. Using an electric current delivered from a nerve stimulator to the pain receptors at the tip of the tongue, it was found that saturated solutions of aspirin, sodium salicylate, methyl salicylate, triethanolamine salicylate, acetaminophen, phenylbutazone (Butazolidine®), and antipyrine possessed no topical anesthetic activity in contrast to benzocaine which produced a complete blockade of these pain receptors. Presumably, any pain-relieving effect with antipyretic analgesics is obtained due to a systemic action following absorption of these drugs when applied topically to mucous membranes.