Comparative study of topical use of vasodilating solutions.

Vasodilating effects of topically applied lignocaine, papaverine, and chlorpromazine were compared in rats, using a PO2 tissue perfusion monitor and histological analysis. The period of vasospasm was significantly shorter with the use of either 10% lignocaine, 2% papaverine, or 0.25% chlorpromazine than with the use of 2% lignocaine. Although our study found that no particular vasodilating agent was more effective than the others, we did find that although lignocaine 2% and 5% might not be able to fully relieve vasospasm, 10% lignocaine, 2% papaverine, or 0.25% chlorpromazine are recommended to relieve vasospasm clinically as they do not injure the arterial wall.