Lidocaine
Key points
- LIDOCAINE (Lidoderm ®) causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues.
- Apply lidocaine patches over the most painful areas of skin.
- Do not use continuously for longer than 12 hours during any 24 hour period.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Lidocaine dermal patch
What are lidocaine dermal patches? LIDOCAINE (Lidoderm ®) causes loss of feeling in the skin and surrounding tissues. It is used to treat nerve pain related to herpes (shingles) infections. Generic lidocaine patches are not available.
What should my health care professional know before I use lidocaine dermal patches?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- liver disease
- skin rash or inflammed and irritated skin
- an unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Apply lidocaine patches over the most painful areas of skin. Make sure the skin does not have any open sores or rashes. You may apply up to 3 patches at one time. Leave the patches on for only 12 hours during a 24-hour period. Patches may be cut into smaller sizes with scissors before removing the adhesive liner. You may wear clothing over the patches.
What if I miss a dose?
Apply the patches as needed. Do not use continuously for longer than 12 hours during any 24 hour period.
What drug(s) may interact with lidocaine dermal patches?
- medicines to control heart rhythm
- heart medicine such as digoxin
- other ointments or creams that may contain anesthetic medicine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from using lidocaine dermal patches?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- skin rash
- abnormal heart rate
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
