ethyl chloride

Ethyl chloride is a small molecule local anesthetic and vapocoolant used primarily for topical anesthesia. It acts by rapidly evaporating from the skin surface when sprayed, causing a significant drop in skin temperature (down to approximately -20°C), which temporarily numbs the area by reducing nerve conduction and sensitivity to pain[1][3][8]. Its main clinical uses are for short-term pain relief during minor surgical procedures (such as injections or IV catheter insertions), sports injuries, and as a diagnostic tool in dentistry to detect nonviable dental pulp[1][2][3][8]. Ethyl chloride was previously used as a general anesthetic but is now limited to topical use due to safety concerns. It can be abused via inhalation for its intoxicating effects; such misuse can cause serious adverse events including CNS depression and fatal cardiac arrhythmias[1][5].

Brand names

Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride

Other names

ethyl chloridechloroethanemonochloroethaneEC