Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for topical administration of a local anesthetic agent. The composition comprises (a) a therapeutically effective amount of a local anesthetic agent and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable, nonliposomal carrier comprised of a monohydric alcohol, a penetration enhancer, and polymer, which may be a hydrophilic polymer, a hydrophobic polymer or a combination thereof. The composition can be in the form of a gel, or it may form a film following application to a patient's body surface and evaporation of the monohydric alcohol. The composition provides rapid onset of local anesthesia as well as penetration of the active agent into the skin. Methods and drug delivery systems for administration of local anesthetic agents are also provided.