Description
Your doctor may prescribe Lidoderm for the treatment of minor pain, particularly nerve pain. It is indicated for the treatment of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. Post-herpetic neuralgia is long-lasting pain associated with shingles.
Lidoderm patches are a topical medication placed directly on the skin.
Lidoderm patches work by blocking the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. It decreases the membrane permeability of neurons to sodium ions, which blocks nerve signals.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C14H22N2O |
License |
US FDA, EU EMA |
Bioavailability |
35% |
Legal status |
US: OTC / Rx-only |
Chemical Name |
Lidocaine |
Elimination half-life |
1.5 h to 2 h |
Dosage (Strength) |
5% |
Pregnancy |
No Known Risk |
Brands |
Lidoderm Patch, Xylocaine, Ztlido |
Protein binding |
More than 65% |
PubChem CID |
3676 |
MedlinePlus |
a682701 |
ChEBI |
6456 |
ATC code |
C01BB01 |
DrugBank |
DB00281 |
KEGG |
D00358 |
Routes of administration |
Intravenous, subcutaneous, topical, by mouth |
Directions
Apply Lidoderm patches to the affected area of the skin for 12 hours. Remove the patch for 12 hours before reapplying to the same site.
After removing a used patch, fold the patch onto itself and discard it in a place that is not accessible to children or animals.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Lidoderm patches is lidocaine.
Interactions
Common drug-drug interactions with this medication can include:
- Antiarrhythmic Agents
- Cimetidine
- Dapsone
- Local Anesthetics
- Methemoglobinemia Associated Agents
- Nitric Oxide
- Prilocaine
- Sodium Nitrite
Cautions
Only apply Lidoderm patches to intact areas of the skin.
Do not wear Lidoderm patches for longer than prescribed. Doing so may result in high levels of lidocaine absorbing into the bloodstream and increasing the risk of side effects.
Lidoderm patches may cause irritation at the site of application.
Side Effects
Common adverse reactions to this medication may include:
- Anaphylactoid Shock
- Angioedema
- Application Site Burning
- Application Site Erythema
- Application Site Vesicles
- Apprehension
- Asthenia
- Blurred Vision
- Bradycardia
- Bronchospasm
- Bruise
- Central Nervous System Depression
- Circulatory Shock
- Confusion
- Dermatitis
- Diplopia
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dysgeusia
- Dyspnea
- Euphoria
- Excitement
- Exfoliation Of Skin
- Flushing
- Headache
- Hyperesthesia
- Hypersensitivity Reaction
- Hypoesthesia
- Hypotension
- Laryngospasm
- Local Discoloration
- Local Irritation
- Localized Warm Feeling
- Loss Of Consciousness
- Metallic Taste
- Methemoglobinemia
- Nervousness
- Numbness
- Pain
- Papule
- Paresthesia
- Respiratory Depression
- Seizure
- Sensation Disorder
- Sensation Of Cold
- Shock
- Skin Blister
- Skin Depigmentation
- Skin Edema
- Skin Erosion
- Tinnitus
- Tremor
- Twitching
- Urticaria
References
Lidoderm patch [package insert]. Malvern, PA: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lidoderm Patch (Lidocaine)
What is Lidoderm Patch used for?
Lidoderm Patch is used for providing targeted pain and itch relief, especially for post-herpetic neuralgia, a condition characterized by nerve pain following a shingles outbreak.
How should Lidoderm Patch be used?
The patch (maximum 3, depending on prescription) should be applied directly to the skin, covering the area where pain relief is needed. It's usually applied once a day as needed for pain.
What is the active ingredient in Lidoderm Patch?
The active ingredient in Lidoderm Patch is Lidocaine, a local anesthetic which helps in numbing the area where it's applied, providing relief from pain.
What are the side effects of using Lidoderm Patch?
Some common side effects include irritation, redness, and swelling at the patch application site. It may also cause a feeling of burning or pain at the location of the patch, in which case the patch should be removed until the feeling subsides.
How long does the relief from Lidoderm Patch last?
Lidoderm Patch can offer pain relief for up to 12 hours when applied to the skin.
How does Lidoderm Patch work?
Lidoderm Patch works by blocking the pain signals at the site of discomfort through its active ingredient Lidocaine by blocking sodium in your nerve cells at the molecular level.
Is Lidoderm Patch suitable for everyone?
While Lidoderm Patch provides targeted pain relief, its suitability may vary among individuals, especially those with certain skin conditions. It's important to use it as directed to avoid any adverse reactions.
Can Lidoderm Patch be used for other types of pain?
Primarily, Lidoderm Patch is used for nerve pain, but it may also be employed for more localized external aches and pains. However, its use for other types of pain should be directed by a healthcare professional.
Is Lidoderm Patch available in generic form?
Yes, Lidoderm Patch is available in generic form.
What should be done if the patch causes irritation or falls off?
If the patch causes a feeling of burning or pain, it should be removed until the feeling goes away. If the patch falls off or is forgotten to be applied on time, a new patch should be applied immediately to a different location, and replaced at the next usual dosing time. It's also advised not to apply heat on the area with the patch.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 11554