Lidocaine Patches Prior to Intravenous Insertion

Phase II Study of Lidoderm Patches Prior to Intravenous Catheter Insertion.

This study will determine whether application of a patch containing a topical anesthetic (numbing medicine) named lidocaine can reduce the pain of subsequent insertion of an intravenous catheter in Emergency Department patients.

Patients will be randomly assigned to an active lidocaine patch or a patch that conatins a placebo or inactive agent. Neither the patient nor the practitioner will know which patch is used since they will appear identical.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than or equal to 3,
• Need for non-emergent intravenous catheter

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable patients,
• Allergy to lidocaine or tetracaine