Vapocoolant Spray for Pain Control in Intramuscular Injection Applications: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Many pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods have been investigated along with advances in pain treatment. One of these nonpharmacological methods is the use of vapocoolant spray. Objective This study aimedto demonstrate the effectiveness of vapocoolant spray to reduce pain during intramuscular (IM) injection. Patients and Methods The study included ≥18 years old patients admitted to the emergency department who were asked to undergo IM injection. Patients were randomly divided into two groups as vapocoolant spray and control group. Demographic data, injection side, and visual analog scale (VAS) of the patients were recorded. Results Mean VAS values during IM injection were significantly lower in patients treated with vapocoolant spray compared with the control group. The severity of pain during IM injection was lower in the vapocoolant spray group as both moderate pain (VAS > 3 cm) and severe pain (VAS > 5.4 cm) compared with the control group. Conclusion Vapocoolant spray to be applied before IM injection is effective in reducing pain caused by the injection.