Many procedures do not have to be painful. There are several available pharmacological options, both commercial and compounded, for providing local anesthesia and thus minimizing the fear and stress associated with these procedures. No patient should suffer because the clinician lacks the knowledge or comfort level necessary to provide adequate analgesia during painful medical procedures. Compounding pharmacists can prepare local and topical anesthetics for clinics, emergency departments, patient-care units, and physicians' offices to keep on hand for medical emergencies and procedures; this reduces the waiting period for patients, allows procedures to be performed efficiently, and improves patient care.