INDICATIONS FOR USE

Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride is a vapocoolant (skin refrigerant) intended for topical application to control pain associated with injections, minor surgical procedures (such as lancing boils or incision and drainage of small abscesses) and the temporary relief of minor sports injuries.

It is also intended for the treatment of restricted motion associated with myofascial pain caused by trigger points.

PRECAUTIONS

Inhalation of Ethyl Chloride should be avoided as it may produce narcotic and general anesthetic effects, deep anesthesia or fatal coma with respiratory or cardiac arrest.

Ethyl Chloride is FLAMMABLE and should never be used in the presence of an open flame, or electrical cautery equipment.

When used to produce local freezing of tissues, adjacent skin areas should be protected by an application of petrolatum. The thawing process may be painful, and freezing may lower local resistance to infections and delay healing.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

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

For external use only. Do not spray in eyes.

Skin Absorption of Ethyl Chloride can occur; no cases of chronic poisoning have been reported. Ethyl Chloride is known as a liver and kidney toxin; long term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage.

Contents under pressure. Do not store above 120°F. Best stored at room temperature.

WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Cutaneous sensitization may occur, but appears to be extremely rare. Freezing can occasionally alter pigmentation.

CAUTION

Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician or other practitioner licensed by state law to use or order the use of the device.

PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Hold the bottle inverted while spraying. Open the dispenseal spring valve completely allowing the Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride to flow from the amber bottle. To apply Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride from mist spray aerosol can, hold can upright. Depress valve completely.

  1. TOPICAL ANESTHESIA IN MINOR SURGERY
    Clean the operative site with a suitable antiseptic. Apply petrolatum to protect the adjacent areas. Spray Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride on the target area continuously for 3 to 7 seconds from a distance of 3 to 9 inches (8 - 23 cm.). Spray until the skin just begins to turn white; do not frost the skin. Swab the target area with antiseptic and promptly make the incision.
  2. MINOR SPORTS INJURIES
    The pain of bruises, contusions, abrasions, swelling and minor sprains may be controlled with Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride.
    The amount of cooling depends on the dosage. Dosage varies with duration of application. The anesthetic effect of Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride rarely lasts more than a few seconds to a minute. Avoid spraying the skin beyond this point.
  3. PRE-INJECTION ANESTHESIA
    Prepare the syringe. Spray the target area with Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride continuously for 3 to 7 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. Swab the target area with antiseptic and quickly introduce the needle with the skin taut.
  4. SPRAY AND STRETCH TECHNIQUE FOR MYOFASCIAL PAIN
    Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride 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 include low back pain (due to tight muscles), acute stiff neck, torticollis, acute bursitis of the shoulder, tight muscles associated with osteoarthritis, tight hamstrings, sprained ankle, tight masseter muscles, certain types of headaches, and referred pain due to irritated trigger points. Relief of pain facilitates early mobilization and the restoration of muscle function.
    The Spray and Stretch technique is a therapeutic system which involves three stages: EVALUATION, SPRAYING AND STRETCHING. The therapeutic value of Spray and Stretch becomes most effective when the practitioner has mastered all stages and applies them in the proper sequence.

  1. Evaluation
    The evaluation phase determines if the cause of pain is an active irritated trigger point. A trigger point is a deep hypersensitive localized spot in a muscle. An active trigger point, not the muscle causes a referred pain pattern. With trigger points, the source of pain is seldom the site of pain. A trigger point may be detected by a snapping palpation over the muscle causing the muscle in which the irritated trigger point is situated to twitch.
  2. Spraying
    1. Have the patient assume a comfortable position.
    2. Take precautions to cover the patient' eyes, nose and mouth if spraying near the face.
    3. Hold the bottle inverted. From a distance of approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 - 46 cm.), aim the pinpoint stream so that it meets the skin at an acute angle to lessen the shock of impact.
    4. Direct the spray in parallel sweeps 1.5 to 2 cm. apart at the rate of approximately 4 in./sec. (10 cm./sec.). 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.
  3. Stretching
    Passively stretch the muscle during spray applications. 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

3.5 fl. oz.

    Fine Nozzle glass bottle ................ P/N 0386-0001-04

    Medium Nozzle glass bottle .......... P/N 0386-0001-03

    Mist Nozzle can ........................... P/N 0386-0001-02