[Comparative studies of the local anaesthetic action of carticaine 1% and mepivacaine 1% (author's transl)].

The actions of carticaine 1% and mepivacaine 1% in peripheral nerve block were investigated in double-blind study. Bilateral ulnar nerve blocks were performed in 14 healthy subjects (age range 20-30 years), and latency, duration, and intensity of anaesthesia were quantitatively determined. There were no differences in latency of nerve block, but a significant difference in the duration of effect: Mepivacaine acted for nearly twice as long as Carticaine. In addition, several incomplete blocks were noted with Carticaine. On the basis of these results mepivacaine is preferred in peripheral nerve block because of its longer and more reliable action.