ethyl chloride /eth″il/ , a topical anesthetic used in short operations. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of skin irritations and in minor skin surgery; the skin is sprayed until the surface turns white with frost. It is highly flammable. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use. It is not used on broken skin or on mucous membrane. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are pain, muscle spasm, and, as a result of excessive use, frostbite.
