| abstract |
A local anesthetic microsuspension system is disclosed that includes lipospheres, that are solid, water-insoluble microparticles that have a layer of a phospholipid embedded on their surface. The core of the liposphere is a solid anesthetic such as lidocaine or marcaine, or an anesthetic dispersed in an inert solid vehicle, such as a wax. Anesthetic lipospheres provide a controlled delivery of local anesthetics to achieve extended, effective relief from pain by slowly releasing the anesthetic from the solid hydrophobic core. This is highly preferred over the situation in which an aqueous solution of local anesthetic must be frequently administered because it is quickly systemically absorbed. |