Comparative study with etidocaine and bupivacaine in epidural block

Etidocaine 1% and bupivacaine 0.5% (both with adrenaline 5 mug/ml) have been compared in a double blind study in epidural analgesia. Time of onset, duration, recession of analgesia and intensity as well as frequency of motor blockade were recorded in a selected group of patients undergoing varicose vein stripping. The onset of action of etidocaine was more rapid. Duration, recession and intensity of analgesia were similar for the two drugs. The main difference between them was that etidocaine produced a higher frequency and greater intensity of motor blockade.