Lidocaine Transdermal Patch
Prescription lidocaine transdermal (Dermalid, Lidoderm, Ztildo) is used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN; burning, stabbing pains, or aches that may last for months or years after a shingles infection). Nonprescription (over-the-counter) lidocaine (Absorbine Jr, Aspercreme, Lidocare, Salonpas, others) is also available to relieve minor pain in shoulders, arms, neck and legs in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Lidocaine is in a class of medications called local anesthetics. It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Prescription lidocaine transdermal comes as a 5% patch (Dermalid, Lidoderm) and as a 1.8% topical system (Ztlido) to apply to the skin. Prescription lidocaine transdermal is applied only once a day as needed for pain. Never apply more than 3 of the lidocaine 5% patch or lidocaine 1.8% topical systems at one time, and never wear them for more than 12 hours per day (12 hours on and 12 hours off). Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use lidocaine transdermal exactly as directed. Do not apply it more or less often than prescribed by your doctor.
Nonprescription lidocaine transdermal comes as a 4% patch (Absorbine Jr, Aspercreme, Lidocare, Salonpas, others) to apply to the skin. It is applied up to 3 times daily and for no more than 8 hours per application. Use nonprescription lidocaine patches exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often or for a longer period of time than directed by the package instructions.
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.
Apply the lidocaine patch or topical system to clean, dry, intact skin as directed. Choose an area where the patch will not be rubbed by tight clothing. Do not apply the patch or topical system 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. If irritation or a burning sensation occurs during lidocaine application, remove the lidocaine patch or system and do not reapply it until the irritation is gone. Prescription patches and topical systems may be cut into smaller sizes with scissors prior to removal of the release liner. Be sure to remove the current patch before you apply a new one.
Do not let lidocaine transdermal come in contact with your eyes. If lidocaine transdermal does touch your eye, immediately wash the eye with water or saline and protect the eye until sensation returns.
Americans see their primary care doctors less often than they did a decade ago. Adults under 65 made nearly 25% fewer visits to primary care providers in 2016 than they did in 2018, according to National Public Radio. In the same time period, the number of adults who went at least a year without visiting a primary care provider increased from 38% to 46%.
While you are wearing a lidocaine transdermal patch or system, protect the treated area from direct heat such as heating pads or electric blankets. You can apply the lidocaine 1.8% topical system after moderate heat exposure, such as 15 minutes of heating pad exposure on a medium setting. Do not bandage the affected area tightly.
Do not shower, bathe, or go swimming while you are wearing the prescription lidocaine 5% transdermal patch. If you are using the prescription lidocaine 1.8% topical system, you may shower for up to 10 minutes or wear it while immersed in water for up to 15 minutes. If the lidocaine 1.8% topical system becomes wet, gently pat the skin, but do not rub the skin or lidocaine 1.8% topical system.
If the lidocaine 1.8% topical system comes off completely or lifts at the edges, reattach it by pressing firmly on the edges of the topical system or lifted areas. If the lidocaine 1.8% topical system comes off completely more than once and does not stick to the skin, remove it and apply a new lidocaine topical system not to exceed 12 hours of total use.
Wash your hands after handling lidocaine patches or topical system.
Stop using nonprescription lidocaine 4% patch and call your doctor if your pain lasts for longer than 7 days or if your pain improves and then worsens.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
