Oraqix

Patient Information

Inform patients that use of local anesthetics may cause methemoglobinemia, a serious condition that must be treated promptly. Advise patients or caregivers to seek immediate medical attention if they or someone in their care experience the following signs or symptoms: pale, gray, or blue colored skin (cyanosis); headache; rapid heart rate; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; or fatigue.

Patients should be cautioned to avoid injury to the treated area, or exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, until complete sensation has returned.

Description

Oraqix (lidocaine and prilocaine periodontal gel,) 2.5%/2.5% is a microemulsion in which the oil phase is a eutectic mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine in a ratio of 1:1 by weight. This eutectic mixture has a melting point below room temperature; therefore, both local anesthetics exist as liquid oils rather than as crystals. Oraqix contains poloxamer excipients, which show reversible temperature-dependent gelation. Together with the lidocaine-prilocaine 1:1 mixture, the poloxamers form a low-viscosity fluid system at room temperature and an elastic gel in the periodontal pocket. Oraqix is administered into periodontal pockets, by means of the supplied special applicator. Gelation occurs at body temperature, followed by release of the local anesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine. The Oraqix single-use glass cartridges deliver up to 1.7g (1.7mL) of gel (42.5 mg of lidocaine and 42.5 mg of prilocaine). Prilocaine base and lidocaine base are both relatively hydrophilic amino-amides.

The structural formulas are:

Lidocaine is chemically designated as 2-(diethylamino)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-acetamide and has an octanol:water partition ratio of 43 at pH 7.4. The pKa of lidocaine is 7.86. Prilocaine is chemically designated as N-(2-methyl-phenyl)-2 (propylamino)-propanamide and has an octanol:water partition ratio of 25 at pH 7.4. The pKa of prilocaine is 7.89. Each gram of Oraqix contains 25-mg lidocaine base and 25-mg prilocaine base. The gel also contains thermosetting agents (poloxamer 188 purified, poloxamer 407 purified), hydrochloric acid (pH adjustment), and purified water. The pH of Oraqix is 7.5-8.0.

Indications

Oraqix is an amide local anesthetic indicated for adults who require localized anesthesia in periodontal pockets during scaling and/or root planing.

Dosage And Administration

General Dosing Information

DO NOT INJECT [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Apply Oraqix on the gingival margin around the selected teeth using the blunt-tipped applicator included in the package and the dispenser, which is sold separately. Wait 30 seconds, and then fill the periodontal pockets with Oraqix using the blunt-tipped applicator until the gel becomes visible at the gingival margin. Wait another 30 seconds before starting treatment. A longer waiting time does not enhance the anesthesia. Anesthetic effect, as assessed by probing of pocket depths, has a duration of approximately 20 minutes (individual overall range 14–31 minutes). If the anesthesia starts to wear off, Oraqix may be re-applied if needed. Typically, one cartridge (1.7g) or less of Oraqix will be sufficient for one quadrant of the dentition.

When administered, Oraqix should be a liquid. If it has formed a gel, it should be placed in a refrigerator (do not freeze) until it becomes a liquid again. When in the liquid state, the air bubble visible in the cartridge will move if the cartridge is tilted.

Maximum Recommended Dosage

The maximum recommended dose of Oraqix at one treatment session is 5 cartridges, i.e., 8.5g gel.

How Supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Periodontal gel containing: lidocaine 25 mg/mL and prilocaine 25 mg/mL. Each cartridge contains 1.7 mL (42.5 mg of lidocaine and 42.5 mg of prilocaine).

Storage And Handling

Oraqix (lidocaine and prilocaine periodontal gel), 2.5%/2.5%, is supplied in dental cartridges that provide 1.7g gel. Individually blister-packaged cartridges of Oraqix are distributed in a carton of 20 (NDC 66312-110-20). Each individual blister package also contains a sterile blunt-tipped applicator. Each blunt-tipped applicator is for single use only. Oraqix is intended for use with the Oraqix Dispenser.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. At temperatures below +5°C Oraqix may become opaque. This opacity will disappear when the cartridge is warmed to room temperature.

DO NOT FREEZE. Some components of Oraqix may precipitate if cartridges are frozen. Cartridges should not be used if they contain a precipitate.

Do not use dental cartridge warmers with Oraqix. The heat will cause the product to gel.

See FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION)

Manufactured for: Dentsply Pharmaceutical, York, PA 17404. Revised: Nov 2018

Clinical Studies Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Although no major differences in adverse events between Oraqix and placebo-treated subjects were observed, all patients in the placebo-controlled studies received either Oraqix or a placebo gel (consisting of the vehicle in Oraqix without lidocaine or prilocaine). Therefore, it is not possible to determine if adverse events in each treatment group were attributable to the inactive ingredients comprising the Oraqix or vehicle or if adverse event rates were higher than expected background rates. Therefore, a causal relationship between the reported adverse reactions and Oraqix could neither be established nor ruled out.

Following SRP treatment with Oraqix in 391 patients, the most frequent adverse events were local reactions in the oral cavity (see following table). These events, which occurred in approximately 15% of patients, included pain, soreness, irritation, numbness, vesicles, ulcerations, edema and/or redness in the treated area. Of the 391 patients treated with Oraqix, five developed ulcerative lesions and two developed vesicles of mild to moderate severity near the site of SRP. In addition, ulcerative lesions in or near the treated area were also reported for three out of 168 patients who received placebo. Other symptoms reported in more than one patient were headache, taste perversion, nausea, fatigue, flu, respiratory infection, musculoskeletal pain and accident/injury.

Table 1: Number (percent) of patients with adverse events occurring in more than one patient in any of the treatment groups.
Each patient is counted only once per adverse event. The occurrence in a single patient is included in this table if the same symptom has been seen in at least one patient in another group.

Other Local Anesthetics Or Agents Structurally Related To Local Anesthetics

Oraqix should be used with caution in combination with dental injection anesthesia, other local anesthetics, or agents structurally related to local anesthetics, e.g., Class 1 antiarrhythmics such as tocainide and mexiletine, as the toxic effects of these drugs are likely to be additive and potentially synergistic.

Drugs That May Cause Methemoglobinemia When Used With ORAQIX

Patients who are administered local anesthetics are at increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to the following drugs, which could include other local anesthetics:

Examples Of Drugs Associated With Methemoglobinemia

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions

Methemoglobinemia

Cases of methemoglobinemia have been reported in association with local anesthetic use. Although all patients are at risk for methemoglobinemia, patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital or idiopathic methemoglobinemia, cardiac or pulmonary compromise, infants under 6 months of age, and concurrent exposure to oxidizing agents or their metabolites are more susceptible to developing clinical manifestations of the condition. If local anesthetics must be used in these patients, close monitoring for symptoms and signs of methemoglobinemia is recommended.

Signs of methemoglobinemia may occur immediately or may be delayed some hours after exposure, and are characterized by a cyanotic skin discoloration and/or abnormal coloration of the blood. Methemoglobin levels may continue to rise; therefore, immediate treatment is required to avert more serious central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse effects, including seizures, coma, arrhythmias, and death. Discontinue ORAQIX and any other oxidizing agents. Depending on the severity of the signs and symptoms, patients may respond to supportive care, i.e., oxygen therapy, hydration. A more severe clinical presentation may require treatment with methylene blue, exchange transfusion, or hyperbaric oxygen.

Do Not Inject

Oraqix should not be used with standard dental syringes. Only use this product with the Oraqix blunt-tipped applicator and the dispenser which is available from DENTSPLY Pharmaceutical.

Allergic/Anaphylactic Reactions

Allergic and anaphylactic reactions associated with lidocaine or prilocaine in Oraqix can occur. These reactions may be characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock. If these reactions occur they should be managed by conventional means.

Avoid Contact With Eyes

Oraqix coming in contact with the eye should be avoided because animal studies have demonstrated severe eye irritation. A loss of protective reflexes may allow corneal irritation and potential abrasion. If eye contact occurs, immediately rinse the eye with water or saline and protect it until normal sensation returns. In addition, the patient should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist, as indicated.

History Of Drug Sensitivity

Patients allergic to paraminobenzoic acid derivatives (procaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, etc.) have not shown cross sensitivity to lidocaine and/or prilocaine. However, Oraqix should be used with caution in patients with a history of drug sensitivities, especially if the etiologic agent is uncertain.

Severe Hepatic Disease

Patients with severe hepatic disease, because of their inability to metabolize local anesthetics normally, are at greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of either lidocaine or prilocaine. Chronic oral toxicity studies of o-toluidine, a metabolite of prilocaine, have shown that this compound is a carcinogen in both mice and rats. The tumors associated with o-toluidine included hepatocarcinomas/ adenomas in female mice, multiple occurrences of hemangiosarcomas/hemangiomas in both sexes of mice, sarcomas of multiple organs, transitional-cell carcinomas/papillomas of urinary bladder in both sexes of rats, subcutaneous fibromas/fibrosarcomas and mesotheliomas in male rats, and mammary gland fibroadenomas/adenomas in female rats. These findings were observed at the lowest tested dose of 150 mg/kg/day or greater over two years (estimated daily exposures in mice and rats were approximately 6 and 12 times, respectively, the estimated exposure to o-toluidine at the maximum recommended human dose of 8.5g of Oraqix gel on a mg/m² basis). Thus, the no effect dose is less than 6 to 12 times the estimated exposure to o-toluidine at the maximum recommended human dose, assuming 100% bioavailability of prilocaine from the Oraqix gel. Complete conversion of prilocaine to its metabolite o-toluidine on a molar basis is assumed. This gives a conversion on a weight basis of about 50% for prilocaine base (dependent on the molecular weights, i.e. 220 for prilocaine base and 107 for o-toluidine).

Mutagenesis

The mutagenic potentials of lidocaine and prilocaine have been tested in the Ames Salmonella reverse mutation assay, an in vitro chromosome aberrations assay in human lymphocytes and in an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. There was no indication of any mutagenic effects for either compound in these studies. o-Toluidine, metabolite of prilocaine, was positive in Escherichia coli DNA repair and phage-induction assays. Urine concentrates from rats treated orally with 300 mg/kg o-toluidine were mutagenic to Salmonella typhimurium in the presence of metabolic activation. Several other tests on o-toluidine, including reverse mutations in five different Salmonella typhimurium strains with or without metabolic activation, and single strand breaks in DNA of V79 Chinese hamster cells, were negative.

Impairment Of Fertility

The effect of lidocaine on fertility was examined in the rat model. Administration of 30 mg/kg, s.c. (180 mg/m² or 1.4-fold the maximum recommended human oral dose for one treatment session assuming 100% bioavailability of lidocaine) to the mating pair did not produce alterations in fertility or general reproductive performance of rats. There are no studies that examine the effect of lidocaine or prilocaine on sperm parameters. The effects of prilocaine on fertility was examined in rats treated for 8 months with 10 or 30 mg/kg, s.c. lidocaine or prilocaine (60 mg/m² and 180 mg/m² on a body surface area basis, respectively up to 1.4-fold the maximum recommended exposure for a single procedure assuming 100% bioavailability of lidocaine and prilocaine). This time period encompassed 3 mating periods. There was no evidence of altered fertility.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category B

Reproduction studies have been performed in rats with lidocaine, prilocaine and a 1:1 (weight: weight) mixture of the two compounds. There was no evidence of harm to the fetus at subcutaneous doses of up to 30mg/kg lidocaine (estimated exposure was approximately equivalent to the expected lidocaine exposure at the maximum recommended human dose of Oraqix (lidocaine and prilocaine periodontal gel) 2.5% / 2.5% on a mg/m² basis).

Following intramuscular prilocaine doses of up to 300 mg/kg (estimated exposure was approximately 11 times the expected prilocaine exposure at the maximum recommended human dose of Oraqix gel on a mg/m² basis), there was no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus. Similarly, subcutaneous administration of a lidocaine and prilocaine mixture of 40 mg/kg of each compound (estimated exposures were approximately 1.5 times the expected lidocaine and prilocaine exposures at the maximum recommended human dose of Oraqix gel on a mg/m² basis) produced no teratogenic, embryotoxic, or fetotoxic effects. Reproductive toxicology studies of lidocaine were also conducted in rabbits. There was no evidence of harm to the fetus at a dose of 5 mg/kg, s.c. (60 mg/m²). Treatment of rabbits with 15 mg/kg (180 mg/m²) produced evidence of maternal toxicity and evidence of delayed fetal development, including a non-significant decrease in fetal weight (7%) and an increase in minor skeletal anomalies (skull and sternebral defects, reduced ossification of the phalanges). The effects of lidocaine and prilocaine on post-natal development was examined in rats treated for 8 months with 10 or 30 mg/kg, s.c. lidocaine or prilocaine (60 mg/m² and 180 mg/m² on a body surface area basis, respectively up to 1.4-fold the maximum recommended exposure for a single procedure). This time period encompassed 3 mating periods. There was no evidence of altered post-natal development in any offspring; however, both doses of either drug reduced the average number of pups per litter surviving until weaning of offspring from the first 2 mating periods. In a separate study, the effect of prilocaine on pre- and postnatal development was examined in rats treated with up to 60 mg/kg, s.c. (up to 2.8 times the maximum recommended human dose of prilocaine in Oraqix gel on a mg/m² basis) from Day 6 of gestation to weaning. There was no evidence of altered post-natal development, viability, or reproductive capacity in any offspring. All the above calculations of exposure are assuming 100% bioavailability of lidocaine and prilocaine after Oraqix administration. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, Oraqix should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Reproduction studies on the Oraqix drug product, including the inactive ingredients, have not been conducted.

Nursing Mothers

Lidocaine and, possibly, prilocaine are excreted in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when Oraqix is administered to nursing women.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Very young children are more susceptible to methemoglobinemia. There have been reports of clinically significant methemoglobinemia in infants and children following excessive applications of lidocaine 2.5% topical cream [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of Oraqix, 7% were aged 65 and over, while 1% were aged 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Oraqix/Local Anesthetic Toxicity Emergency

Oraqix used at the recommended doses is not likely to cause toxic plasma levels of lidocaine or prilocaine. However, if other local anesthetics are administered at the same time, e.g. topically or by injection, the toxic effects are thought to be additive and could result in an overdose with systemic toxic reactions. There is generally an increase in severity of symptoms with increasing plasma concentrations of lidocaine and/or prilocaine. Systemic CNS toxicity may occur over a range of plasma concentrations of local anesthetics. CNS toxicity may typically be found around 5000 ng/mL of lidocaine; however, a small number of patients reportedly may show signs of toxicity at approximately 1000 ng/mL. Pharmacological thresholds for prilocaine are poorly defined. Central nervous system (CNS) symptoms usually precede cardiovascular manifestations. The plasma level of lidocaine observed after the maximum recommended dose (5 cartridges) of Oraqix in 11 patients exposed over 3 hours ranged from 157 to 552 ng/mL with a mean of 284 ng/mL ± 122 SD. The corresponding figure for prilocaine was 53-181 ng/mL with a mean of 106 ± 45 SD. [See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Systemic adverse effects of lidocaine and/or prilocaine are manifested by central nervous system and/or cardiovascular symptoms.

Clinical symptoms of systemic toxicity include CNS excitation and/or depression (light-headedness, hyperacusis, visual disturbances, muscular tremors, and general convulsions). Lidocaine and/or prilocaine may cause decreases in cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and mean arterial pressure. These changes may be attributable to direct depressant effects of these local anesthetic agents on the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular manifestations may include hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmia, and cardiovascular collapse.

Management Of Oraqix/Local Anesthetic Emergencies

Should severe CNS or cardiovascular symptoms occur, these may be treated symptomatically by, for example, the administration of anticonvulsive drugs, respiratory support and/or cardiovascular resuscitation as necessary.

Methemoglobinemia

For detailed information on methemoglobinemia causes, symptoms, and treatment, see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.

For additional information about overdose treatment, call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

Contraindications

Oraqix is contraindicated in patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type or to any other component of the product.

Mechanism Of Action

Lidocaine and prilocaine belong to the amide class of local anesthetics. Both lidocaine and prilocaine block sodium ion channels required for the initiation and conduction of neuronal impulses, resulting in local anesthesia.

Pharmacodynamics

After application of Oraqix on the gingival margin and a waiting period of 30 seconds, additional Oraqix is applied directly into periodontal pockets to provide localized anesthesia. The onset of local anesthetic effect after application of Oraqix into the periodontal pocket occurs by 30 seconds and a longer waiting time does not enhance the anesthetic affect. Anesthetic effect, as assessed by probing of pocket depths, lasted for about 20 minutes (individual overall range 14 to 31 minutes).

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Lidocaine and prilocaine are absorbed from Oraqix via the oral mucous membranes. After a single application of 0.9 to 3.5 g Oraqix, the mean (±SD) lidocaine and prilocaine Cmax values were 182 (±53) and 77 (±27) ng/mL, respectively. After a total of 8 to 8.5 g Oraqix administered as repeated applications over 3 hours, the mean (±SD) lidocaine Cmax was 284 (±122) ng/mL, ranging between 157 and 552 ng/mL. The mean lidocaine AUC∞ was 84,000 ng/min/mL. The mean (±SD) prilocaine Cmax was 106 (±45) ng/mL, ranging between 53 and 181 ng/mL. The mean prilocaine AUC∞ was 26,000 ng/min/mL.

The increase in Cmax of both lidocaine and prilocaine is proportional (or less than proportional) to the dose after single application of Oraqix. The Cmax after a cumulative dose of 8.5 g Oraqix administered as repeated applications over 3 hours, (i.e. the highest recommended dose, corresponding to 212.5 mg each of lidocaine and prilocaine base), is lower than that extrapolated from the proportional increase in plasma concentrations at lower doses.

The median Tmax of lidocaine and prilocaine was 30 minutes, ranging between 20 and 40 min., after the start of a single application of 0.9 to 3.5 g Oraqix, and 200 minutes, ranging between 120 and 200 min., after a cumulative dose of 8.5 g Oraqix administered as repeated applications over 3 hours.

The toxicities of lidocaine and prilocaine are thought to be additive. Systemic CNS toxicity may occur over a range of plasma concentrations of local anesthetics. CNS toxicity may typically be found around 5000 ng/mL of lidocaine; however, a small number of patients reportedly may show signs of toxicity at approximately 1000 ng/mL.

Pharmacological thresholds for prilocaine are poorly defined.

Distribution

Lidocaine and prilocaine have an intermediate degree of plasma protein binding, mainly to 1-acid glycoprotein, with a protein binding of 70% and 40%, respectively. When administered intravenously, the mean volume of distribution (for 60 kg person) at steady state for lidocaine and prilocaine were 90 L and 156 L, respectively. Oraqix is not intended for intravenous administration. Both lidocaine and prilocaine cross the placental and blood brain barriers, presumably by passive diffusion.

Metabolism

Lidocaine and prilocaine are mainly metabolized in the liver. Prilocaine and lidocaine are not metabolized by plasma esterases.

The main metabolism of lidocaine is through N-dealkylation to monoethylglycinexylidide (MEGX) and glycinexylidide (GX), which is mainly mediated by CYP3A4. These metabolites are hydrolyzed to 2,6-xylidine, which is converted to 4- hydroxy- 2,6-xylidine (mediated by CYP2A6), the major urinary metabolite in man. After a total of 8 to 8.5g Oraqix administered as repeated applications over 3 hours, the mean (+SD) 2,6-xylidine Cmax was 18 (+8.4) ng/mL ranging between 8 and 32 ng/mL. The mean 2,6-xylidine AUC∞ was 9800 ng/min/mL (±6370), ranging between 3480 to 24,580 ng/min/mL). MEGX has an antiarrhythmic and convulsant activity similar to that of lidocaine and a somewhat longer half-life. GX has a weak antiarrhythmic effect but lacks convulsant activity and has a half-life of about 10 h.

Prilocaine is split at the amide linkage to o-toluidine, which is converted further to 4- and 6- hydroxytoluidine. The prilocaine metabolite o-toluidine and the hydroxylated metabolites of o-toluidine are excreted mainly in the urine. o- Toluidine has been shown to be carcinogenic in several animal models. After a total of 8 to 8.5g Oraqix was administered as repeated applications over 3 hours, the mean (±SD) o-toluidine Cmax was 25 (±11) ng/mL ranging between 13 and 44 ng/mL. The mean o-toluidine AUC∞ was 9200 ng/min/mL. The median Tmax was 220 minutes, ranging between 90 and 240 min. In addition, o-Toluidine can cause the formation of methemoglobin (metHb) following treatment with prilocaine. Individual maximum blood concentrations of metHb increased from 0 to 1.1% up to 0.8 to 1.7% following administration of the maximum recommended dose of 8.5g Oraqix administrated as repeated applications over 3 hours. The Tmax of metHb ranged from 1 to 4 hours. Normally, <1 % of the total hemoglobin is in the form of metHb. [See OVERDOSAGE]. Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiencies, and patients taking oxidizing drugs such as antimalarials and sulfonamides are more susceptible to drug-induced methemoglobinemia. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Elimination

Lidocaine and prilocaine have systemic clearances of 0.95 and 2.37 L/min, respectively, after intravenous administration as single agents. The terminal half-life of both drugs after intravenous administration as single agents is 1.6 h. Oraqix is not intended for intravenous administration.

However, after application of Oraqix to the periodontal pockets the mean (±SD) terminal lidocaine half-life was 3.6 (±1.3) hours, ranging between 2.2 and 6.5 h. The mean (±SD) terminal prilocaine half-life was 2.8 (±1.0) hours, ranging between 2.0 to 5.7 h. For the metabolite o-toluidine the mean terminal half-life was 4.0 (±1.1) hours, ranging between 2.0 and 5.7 hours. For the metabolite 2,6-xylidine the mean terminal half-life was 8.0 (±4.0) hours, ranging between 3.7 and 18.3 hours.

Pediatrics

The pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and prilocaine after Oraqix administration have not been studied in pediatric patients.

Geriatrics

The pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and prilocaine after Oraqix administration have not been studied in geriatric patients. However, intravenous studies, the elimination half-life of lidocaine was statistically significantly longer in elderly patients (2.5 hours) than in younger patients (1.5 hours). No studies in the intravenous pharmacokinetics of prilocaine in elderly patients have been performed.

Special Populations

No pharmacokinetic studies were conducted to specifically address special populations.

Renal Impairment

Lidocaine and prilocaine and their metabolites are known to be excreted by the kidney, and the metabolites may accumulate in patients with impaired renal function.

Hepatic Impairment

The half-life of lidocaine may be prolonged two-fold or more in patients with liver dysfunction. Liver dysfunction may also alter prilocaine pharmacokinetics. Because of their inability to metabolize local anesthetics normally, patients with severe hepatic disease, are at a greater risk of developing toxic plasma concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine.

Clinical Studies

A total of 337 patients (146 men and 191 women; 169 Oraqix and 168 placebo) were studied in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Patients received a median dose of approximately 1 cartridge (1.7g gel), ranging from ¼ to 2½ cartridges per quadrant treated. The analgesic effect of Oraqix was assessed by asking patients to rate their pain on a continuous visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 100 mm (worst pain imaginable). Patients were asked to report overall procedural pain 5 minutes following manual scaling and/or root planing (SRP) in a single quadrant that had been pre-treated with Oraqix or placebo (vehicle only, without lidocaine or prilocaine). In all three studies, patients were given Oraqix or placebo (vehicle only, without lidocaine or prilocaine). In all three studies, patients who were given Oraqix reported lower VAS scores during the procedure than those given placebo. Study B3 recruited patients with a known sensitivity to mechanical probing of dental pockets, whereas in studies B1 and B2, this was not a requirement. Results of B1, B2 and B3 are summarized below.

Table 2: Visual Analog Pain Scale (100 mm scale)
Visual Analog Pain Scale

The trial also compared individual patient estimates of pain on a 5-step categorical Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) which included the following categories: no pain, mild pain, moderate pain, severe pain, and very severe pain. The results of those who reported no pain or mild pain are shown in the test table.

Table 3: Verbal Rating Scale
Number of Patients Reporting “no pain” or “mild pain” during SRP