Abstract: AimTo study the cutaneous permeation kinetics and pharmacodynamics of lidocaine gel. MethodsThe concentration of lidocaine in dermis following topical application in rats was determined by the cutaneous microdialysis technique and related parameters were calculated; the pharmacodynamics of the gel was evaluated by electric stimulation method with EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream as a control. ResultsThe peak of percutaneous absorption kinetic profile of lidocaine gel across rat skin occurred at 1.25 h; the onset time of local anesthetic action of lidociane gel was similar to that of EMLA, but both the duration and depth of anesthetic effect were superior to EMLA cream. ConclusionLidocaine gel showed good anesthetic effect. The minimum effective concentration of lidocaine in dermis is 12 mg·L^-1.