What is Ethyl Chloride: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ethyl Chloride overview

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  • 1st Relief Topical Spray, 7T Lido Gel, ACAT SUK Kit, Accucaine, Actisep, ACTIVE-PAC with Gabapentin, ACT Kit, Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit, Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit II, Advanced DNA Medicated Collection Kit III, Advocate Aftertest Topical Pain Relief Stick, AgonEaze, Alocane Emergency Burn, Alocane Emergency Burn Spray, Alocane Plus

Generic Names:

  • Ethyl Chloride

Uses:

  • Treats pain in a certain body area. Also used to numb (decrease feeling in) an area before a procedure.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anesthetic, Amino Amide Combination, Anesthetic, Local, Anesthetic Combination, Antibacterial Combination, Antidote, Antihistamine Combination, Anti-Inflammatory, Antipruritic, Astringent, Corticosteroid Combination, Dental Agent, Dermatological Agent, Emollient, Hemorrhoidal, Anesthetic/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Hemorrhoidal Anesthetic, Hemorrhoidal Anesthetic Combination, Analgesic Combination, Analgesic, Protectant, Dermatological, Wound Care Agent, Salicylate, Non-Aspirin Combination

Forms:

  • Dressing, Pad, Patch, Swab, Spray, Ointment, Gel/Jelly, Cream, Liquid, Soap, Lotion

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Ethyl Chloride used for?

What form(s) does Ethyl Chloride come in

  • Dressing

  • Pad

  • Patch

  • Swab

  • Spray

  • Ointment

  • Gel/Jelly

  • Cream

  • Liquid

  • Soap

  • Lotion

What are common Ethyl Chloride doses?

  • Can 103.5ML of

Common Ethyl Chloride prescriptions

  • Ethyl Chloride
    116ml of can

  • Ethyl Chloride
    116ml of glass cont

How to take Ethyl Chloride

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or ears. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on broken skin or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure of the body areas where you can use this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.

  • For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of liquid, spray, or lotion before using it.

  • This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine), or with a special dressing to go over the medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the applicator or dressing. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

  • The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of liquid, spray, or lotion before using it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Do not get this medicine in your eyes, nose, or ears. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on broken skin or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure of the body areas where you can use this medicine, ask your pharmacist.

  • This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine), or with a special dressing to go over the medicine. Make sure you understand how to use the applicator or dressing. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ethyl Chloride

  • If you are using this medicine on a regular schedule: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ethyl Chloride contraindications

  • Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any numbing medicine in the past, such as lidocaine or benzocaine. You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients in the medicine you are using.

Ethyl Chloride warnings

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless your doctor or dentist tells you to.

  • Chest pain, or an uneven heartbeat.

  • Skin rash.

  • Swelling in the area where this medicine is applied.

  • Trembling (shaking).

  • If you are pregnant or breast feeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • Some forms of this medicine should not be used in children under the age of 2 years old, unless a doctor says it is OK.

Ethyl Chloride interactions

  • Topical anesthetic medicines have different ingredients, depending on the type and brand of medicine it is. The drugs or food you may need to avoid depends on the specific topical anesthetic medicine you are using. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • Some forms of this medicine should not be used in children under the age of 2 years old, unless a doctor says it is OK.

  • Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days unless your doctor or dentist tells you to.

Ethyl Chloride side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred or double vision.

  • Confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or drowsiness.

  • Swelling in the area where this medicine is applied.

  • Skin rash.

  • Chest pain, or an uneven heartbeat.

  • Trembling (shaking).

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Skin irritation, itching, redness, or pain.

  • Symptoms that do not improve in 7 days, or symptoms that get worse.