Hi-Tech Pharmacal launches topical pain treatment

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a topical pain treatment made by Hi-Tech Pharmacal, the drug maker said Thursday.

The agency approved Hi-Tech’s sterile lidocaine jelly in the 2% strength, used for treating pain in procedures involving the urethra, painful urethritis and in endotracheal intubation.

Various versions of the drug had sales of $17 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.