Comparison of Local Anesthetic Efficiency of Tramadol Hydrochloride and Lidocaine Hydrochloride.

Purpose: This study investigated the local anesthetic efficiency of tramadol versus lidocaine hydrochloride in maxillary infiltration anesthesia.

Materials And Methods: This study was a randomized double-blinded study involving 50 healthy volunteers. In the experimental part of this study, each volunteer received a buccal 0.5-mL injection of tramadol hydrochloride 25 mg on one side and a buccal 0.5-mL injection of vasoconstrictor-free lidocaine hydrochloride 20 mg on the other side. No other treatment was performed. After the injections, total duration of anesthesia, start and finish times of anesthesia, soft tissue (sensory) innervation, depth of anesthetic, possible side effects, and satisfaction levels were recorded from all volunteers.

Results: There was no relevant difference between solutions for total anesthesia duration and peak values. However, statistically, the effect of lidocaine started and ended early. The efficacy of tramadol was markedly more effective in the gingiva and skin, especially at 15 and 20 minutes, compared with lidocaine. Both anesthetic agents were well tolerated by the volunteers.

Conclusion: Tramadol hydrochloride can be a good alternative to local anesthetic agents and beneficial to support anesthesia during long operations.