Having Trouble Finding Ethyl Chloride? Here's How to Track It Down

Ethyl Chloride — specifically Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride — is a topical anesthetic vapocoolant spray used in healthcare settings to temporarily numb the skin before injections, IV starts, minor surgeries, and sports injury treatment. Because it's a single-source product made exclusively by Gebauer Company, it can sometimes be hard to find in stock.

Whether you're a patient who needs it for a procedure or a healthcare professional stocking your clinic, here are practical ways to find Ethyl Chloride when supplies are tight.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Real-Time Availability

The fastest way to find Ethyl Chloride in stock is to use Medfinder. Medfinder checks availability across pharmacies and medical suppliers, so you can see which locations near you currently have the product on their shelves.

Instead of calling around to different suppliers — which can take hours — Medfinder gives you a clear picture of where to look. Simply search for Ethyl Chloride and enter your location to see results.

Tip 2: Contact Medical Supply Distributors Directly

Unlike most medications, Ethyl Chloride is classified as an FDA-cleared medical device. That means it's typically distributed through medical supply companies rather than retail pharmacies. Here are the major distributors that carry Gebauer's products:

• McKesson Medical-Surgical: One of the largest medical supply distributors in the U.S. Healthcare facilities with existing McKesson accounts can check product availability online.
• McGuff Medical Products: A specialty medical distributor that stocks Gebauer's Ethyl Chloride in multiple formulations.
• Rally Inc.: Carries Ethyl Chloride and other Gebauer products for healthcare facilities.
• Henry Schein: A major distributor for physician offices and dental practices.

If your usual distributor is out of stock, try contacting an alternative distributor. You can also check Gebauer's official website, which has a "Where to Buy" section listing authorized vendors.

Tip 3: Try Ordering During Off-Peak Periods

Demand for medical supplies — including vapocoolant sprays — tends to spike at certain times of the year. Flu season and back-to-school immunization periods can increase demand for products used during injections. If you're a clinic or practice, consider placing orders well in advance of these busy periods.

Some additional timing tips:

• Order early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) when distributor inventories are typically freshest after weekend restocking
• Place standing orders or set up auto-replenishment with your distributor to ensure regular supply
• Monitor your usage patterns so you can anticipate when you'll need to reorder

What If You Still Can't Find Ethyl Chloride?

If Ethyl Chloride remains unavailable despite your best efforts, don't panic. There are several effective alternatives:

• Gebauer's Pain Ease: A non-flammable vapocoolant from the same manufacturer. It works similarly to Ethyl Chloride and can be used on intact skin, minor open wounds, and oral mucous membranes. It doesn't require a prescription.
• EMLA Cream (Lidocaine/Prilocaine): A topical anesthetic cream that provides longer-lasting numbing. It requires 30-60 minutes to take effect, so it works best when procedures can be planned in advance.
• CoolJect: A non-flammable, hazmat-free vapocoolant spray designed for needle procedures.
• Gebauer's Spray and Stretch: If you need a vapocoolant specifically for myofascial pain and trigger point therapy, this non-flammable alternative is designed for the spray and stretch technique.

For a detailed comparison of these options, read our guide on alternatives to Ethyl Chloride.

Tips for Patients

If you're a patient rather than a healthcare provider, you may not need to find Ethyl Chloride yourself. This product is typically supplied by your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic as part of your procedure. However, if you've been prescribed Ethyl Chloride for home use (which is less common), here's what to know:

• You'll need a prescription or "other order" from a licensed healthcare provider
• Check with compounding pharmacies or specialty pharmacies in your area
• Medical supply retailers that sell directly to consumers may carry it
• Amazon and other online retailers sometimes stock Gebauer's products, though availability varies

You can also use our pharmacy stock-checking guide for step-by-step instructions.

Final Thoughts

Finding Ethyl Chloride in stock can be challenging because it's a single-source medical device with limited distribution channels. But with the right tools and a proactive approach, you can improve your chances significantly. Start with Medfinder for real-time availability, reach out to multiple distributors, and keep alternative products in mind as backup options.

For more background on why supply has been tight, read Why Is Ethyl Chloride So Hard to Find?