articaine + epinephrine (Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders)

AHES (Articaine Hydrochloride and Epinephrine Solution) is a topical local anesthetic combination consisting of articaine hydrochloride (40 mg/ml) and epinephrine (10 µg/ml). Articaine is an amide-type local anesthetic characterized by a unique thiophene ring that facilitates rapid systemic metabolism. It works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, thereby inhibiting the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. Epinephrine is included as a vasoconstrictor to stimulate alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors, which narrows local blood vessels to prolong the anesthetic effect and minimize systemic absorption. This specific formulation has been investigated by the Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders for use in fractional laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD). In this context, the solution is applied topically following ablative fractional CO2 or Er:YAG laser treatment to provide rapid and effective local anesthesia for dermatological procedures, such as the treatment of acne and traumatic scars.

Brand names

Ultracain DS Forte

Other names

Articaine Hydrochloride and Epinephrine SolutionArticaine/Epinephrine