Local Application of Ketocaine for Treatment of Referred Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhea

In a randomized, double‐blind cross‐over study the effect on referred pain of the local anesthetic, ketocaine, was evaluated in 23 women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Ketocaine was administered in compresses containing 1 g ketocaine in a 10 per cent ethanol solution. The investigation comprised two consecutive menstrual periods. During one, the patient received ketocaine compresses, and during the other placebo compresses, i.e. compresses without ketocaine. The compresses were applied to the skin area where the patient experienced the most intense pain.