RESUMO
<p><b>AIM</b>To study the cutaneous permeation kinetics and pharmacodynamics of lidocaine gel.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The concentration of lidocaine in dermis following topical application in rats was determined by the cutaneous microdialysis technique and related parameters were calculated; the pharmacodynamics of the gel was evaluated by electric stimulation method with EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream as a control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The peak of percutaneous absorption kinetic profile of lidocaine gel across rat skin occurred at 1.25 h; the onset time of local anesthetic action of lidociane gel was similar to that of EMLA, but both the duration and depth of anesthetic effect were superior to EMLA cream.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Lidocaine gel showed good anesthetic effect. The minimum effective concentration of lidocaine in dermis is 12 mg.L-1.</p>