 is a prescription medication used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that may last for months or years after a shingles infection). Lidoderm belongs to a group of drugs called anesthetics which work by stopping pain signals from nerves to the brain.This medication comes in the form of a patch. Up to 3 patches can be applied once daily, for up to 12 hours.Common side effects of Lidoderm patch include... "Pin It")
Lidoderm Overview
Lidoderm (generic: lidocaine) is a prescription medication used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that may last for months or years after a shingles infection). Lidoderm belongs to a group of drugs called anesthetics which work by stopping pain signals from nerves to the brain.
This medication comes in the form of a patch. Up to 3 patches can be applied once daily, for up to 12 hours.
Common side effects of Lidoderm patch include redness, swelling, and blisters of skin where patch is applied.
Uses of Lidoderm
The Lidoderm patch is a prescription medication used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain that may last for months or years after a shingles infection).
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Lidoderm
Lidoderm patches may cause side effects. During treatment or immediately after, the skin where the patch was applied may develop:
- burning, blisters, or bruising in the area where the patch was applied
- redness or swelling of the skin under the patch
These reactions are usually mild and resolve quickly. If a side effect becomes bothersome or does not go away, tell your doctor right away.
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- signs of allergic reaction such as:
- hives
- skin rash
- itching
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- cool, moist skin
- fast pulse or breathing
- unusual thirst
- nausea
- vomiting
- confusion
- weakness
- dizziness
- fainting
This is not a complete list of Lidoderm side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Lidoderm Interactions
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:
- disopyramide (Norpace)
- flecainide (Tambocor)
- medications applied to the skin or mouth to treat pain
- mexiletine (Mexitil)
- moricizine (Ethmozine)
- procainamide (Procanabid, Pronestyl)
- propafenone (Rhythmol)
- quinidine (Quinidex)
- tocainide (Tonocard)
This is not a complete list of Lidoderm drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Lidoderm Precautions
Accidental Exposure in Children
Even a used Lidoderm patch contains a large amount of lidocaine. Small children and pets may suffer serious adverse effects from chewing or swallowing a new or used Lidoderm patch. Keep new and used Lidoderm patches out of the reach of children.
Excessive Dosing
Excessive dosing by applying Lidoderm to larger areas or for longer than the recommended wearing time could result in increased absorption of lidocaine and high blood concentrations, leading to serious adverse effects.
Increased Drug Absorption
Do not apply Lidoderm to broken or inflamed skin, as increased drug absorption may occur (increasing the risk of serious side effects).
Severe Liver Disease
People with liver disease are more likely to suffer adverse reactions to Lidoderm, because of their inability to metabolize it. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease including liver failure.
Avoid contact with the eye, as severe irritation may occur.
Lidoderm Food Interactions
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Lidoderm there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when using Lidoderm patches.
Inform MD
Before receiving Lidoderm, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions including if you:
- are allergic to lidocaine or any other medications, especially other local anesthetics such as bupivacaine (Marcaine), etidocaine (Duranest), mepivacaine (Carbocaine, Prolocaine), or prilocaine (Citanest); or any other medications.
- have liver disease
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Lidoderm and Pregnancy
Lidoderm has been studied in pregnant rats and showed no fetal harm. However, it has not been fully studied in pregnant women. Lidoderm should only be given to pregnant women if the potential benefit is greater than the risk to the unborn child.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while receiving Lidoderm. If you become pregnant while using Lidoderm, tell your doctor right away.
Lidoderm and Lactation
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Lidoderm is excreted in human breast milk in small amounts, but may not cause harm to the nursing baby. You and your doctor should decide if Lidoderm is right for you.
Lidoderm Usage
Lidoderm comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is applied only once a day as needed for pain.
Use lidocaine patches exactly as directed. Never apply more than three patches at one time, and never wear patches for more than 12 hours per day. Using too many patches or leaving patches on for too long may cause serious side effects.
To apply the patches, follow these steps:
- Always apply patches to skin that is clean and intact, not broken or blistered.
- You may cut patches to the size and shape that will cover your most painful area.
- Peel the transparent liner off the back of the patch and press the patch firmly onto your skin. If you are applying a patch to your face, be careful not to let it touch your eyes. If you do get lidocaine in your eye, wash it with plenty of water or saline solution.
- Wash your hands after handling lidocaine patches.
- Do not reuse lidocaine patches. After you are finished using a patch, remove it, fold it in half with the sticky sides together, and dispose of it out of reach of children and pets. Used patches contain enough medication to seriously harm a child or pet.
Lidoderm Dosage
Your doctor will determine how many patches you need. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
Apply Lidoderm to intact skin to cover the most painful area.
Apply up to three patches, only once for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period.
Patches may be cut into smaller sizes with scissors prior to removal of the release liner.
Lidoderm Overdose
If you apply too many Lidoderm patches, or if the medication is taken by mouth, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.
Forms of Lidoderm
Active ingredient: lidocaine
Inactive ingredients: urea, edetate disodium, gelatin, glycerin, methylparaben, polyvinyl alcohol, propylene glycol, propylparaben, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, tartaric acid
Other Requirements
Store Lidoderm patches at room temperature between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F).
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
