Lidocaine Transdermal Patch
Lidocaine is in a local anesthetic.
It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals.
Prescription lidocaine transdermal is used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia.
Nonprescription lidocaine is also available to relieve minor pain in shoulders, arms, neck and legs in adults and children 12 years of age and older.
Prescription lidocaine transdermal comes as a 5% patch and as a 1.8% topical system to apply to the skin.
Prescription lidocaine transdermal is applied only once a day as needed for pain.
Nonprescription lidocaine transdermal comes as a 4% patch to apply to the skin.
It is applied up to 3 times daily and for no more than 8 hours per application.
Your doctor will tell you how many lidocaine patches or topical systems you may use at one time and the length of time you may wear the patches. Applying too many patches or topical systems or leaving them on for too long may cause serious side effects.
The patch or topical system should not be applied to an open wound or cut, to skin that is irritated or red, or to skin that is affected by a rash, burn, or other skin problem.
Prescription patches and topical systems may be cut into smaller sizes.
Lidocaine patches or topical systems may cause side effects:
burning or discomfort in the place you applied the patch
redness or swelling of the skin under the patch
hives
rash
itching
blisters
bruising
difficulty breathing or swallowing
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
hoarseness
fast pulse or breathing
unusual thirst
nausea
vomiting
confusion
weakness
dizziness
fainting
pale, gray, or blue colored skin
headache
shortness of breath
lightheadedness
fatigue
Excessive lidocaine May cause:
Drowsiness, confusion, slow heart beat, trouble breathing, difficulty controlling muscle movements.
Lidocaine can cause methemoglobinemia: risk is higher if G6PD is present.
Methemoglobinemia can occur immediately or within hours of using a lidocaine patch.
Absorbing too much medication can occur: Using heating pad or electric blanket on skin, applying patch to red, irritated, or broken skin, leaving patch on for more than 12 hours, using more patches than recommended.