This invention relates to topical drug delivery formulations, formulated to carry at least one drug, be applied to an open wound, and enable systemic absorption of the at least one drug via the open wound to provide a systemic therapeutic effect for a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the invention concerns a topical drug delivery composition comprising a rapid onset local anaesthetic agent and/or an analgesic agent, and a drug delivery formulation, for providing both local and systemic anaesthesia and/or analgesia.
