| abstract |
The composition of the present invention combines the local anaesthetic lidocaine in free base form and the non-CFC aerosol propellant HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane; CF3CH2F or HFC-227 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane; CF3CHFCF3), or a combination thereof, thus incorporating previously-unattainable amounts of the lidocaine free base in solution in a non-CFC aerosol propellant. This particular form of relatively-concentrated cosolvent-free anaesthetic permits improved inhalation delivery to the airway and lung, and topical airway local anaesthesia is thus readily provided. A method in accordance with the invention provides for release of the anaesthetic in aerosolized form of selected dosage from a canister containing the pressurized local anaesthetic composition into a patient's respiratory system directly or by way of an airway. |