Damage to tissue defenses by a topical anesthetic agent

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a topical application of a solution containing 0.5% tetracaine, 1:2,000 epinephrine, and 11.9% cocaine on the wound's ability to resist infection. In this experimental study, this solution potentiated the development of wound infection. This effect can be explained by its vasoconstrictive action limiting access of the cellular defenses to the bacteria on the wound surface.