What is a lidocaine patch?
A lidocaine patch is a small, thin, square piece of medication that contains the numbing medicine lidocaine. It is placed on the skin over an area of pain and held in place with a special type of adhesive. Lidocaine patches are used to relieve pain. The patch works by numbing the area of pain. Lidocaine patches are available in different strengths. The strength of the patch you use depends on the amount of pain you have. Lidocaine patches are usually used for pain that is not helped by other pain medicines.
Lidocaine patches are not for use on open wounds or on skin that is sunburned, irritated, or broken. Do not use a lidocaine patch if you are allergic to lidocaine or any other ingredient in the patch. before using a lidocaine patch, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Do not use a lidocaine patch on a child younger than 12 years old. before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, blood disorders (e.g., anemia, low blood pressure), a certain type of irregular heartbeat (AV block).
How should I use a lidocaine patch?
Use a lidocaine patch exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Do not apply a lidocaine patch to skin that is broken, irritated, or sunburned.
Do not apply heat to the area where you will be applying the patch. Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, heat wrap, or hot water bottle on the area.
Do not apply the patch to skin that is hairy. Shave the area if needed.
Clean the area where you will apply the patch with soap and water. Rinse the area well and dry it completely before applying the patch.
Do not apply the patch to skin that has lotion, oil, or powder on it.
Remove the clear liner from the patch before applying it to your skin. Do not touch the sticky side of the patch with your fingers.
Apply the patch to a clean, dry area of skin on the lower back, hip, buttock, or shoulder. Do not apply the patch to skin that has a rash or is swollen, red, or irritated.
Press the patch firmly in place for 30 seconds. Make sure the edges are secure.
After applying the patch, avoid bathing, showering, swimming, or sweating for at least 3 hours.
Do not apply a second patch to the same area within 24 hours.
Do not apply more than 3 patches at a time to your body.
Call your doctor if your pain does not go away or is not relieved by the patch.
Remove the patch after up to 12 hours of use.
Fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and throw it away in a garbage can that is out of the reach of children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since lidocaine patches are usually used as needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
An overdose of lidocaine can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include irregular heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), and loss of consciousness.
What should I avoid while using a lidocaine patch?
Do not apply heat to the area where you will be applying the patch. Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, heat wrap, or hot water bottle on the area.
Do not apply the patch to skin that is sunburned, irritated, or broken.
Avoid bathing, showering, swimming, or sweating for at least 3 hours after applying the patch.
Do not apply a second patch to the same area within 24 hours.
Do not apply more than 3 patches at a time to your body.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with lidocaine patches and lead to unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with lidocaine patches. Do not apply a topical numbing medicine or topical anesthetic cream to the same area within 1 hour before or 1 hour after you use a lidocaine patch.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using the patch and call your doctor at once if you have:
blistering or peeling skin, redness or irritation not present before using this medicine.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Common side effects may include:
mild itching or skin irritation, redness, or rash where the patch was applied.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How does a lidocaine patch work?
Lidocaine patches are a type of local anesthetic that work by numbing the area around the patch. The patch is typically applied to the skin over the area where you are experiencing pain. The lidocaine in the patch works by blocking pain signals from the nerves in the area.
Lidocaine patches are typically only used for short-term pain relief. They are not meant to be used for more than a few days at a time. If you are using a lidocaine patch for longer than a few days, you should talk to your doctor about other options.
Lidocaine patches are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of. These include skin irritation at the site of the patch, drowsiness, and dizziness. If you experience any of these side effects, you should talk to your doctor.
If you are using a lidocaine patch, it is important to follow the instructions on the package. You should not use more than the recommended amount of patches. You should also not use the patch on broken skin or open wounds.
If you think you or someone else has ingested a lidocaine patch, it is important to call poison control immediately. Do not try to make the person vomit.
What are the benefits of using a lidocaine patch?
Lidocaine patches are a type of drug that is used to treat pain. They work by numbing the area where they are applied. This can help to relieve pain from conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and nerve pain.
There are many benefits to using a lidocaine patch. They are a safe and effective way to manage pain. They are easy to use and have few side effects. They can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time, which means that they can provide pain relief throughout the day.
Lidocaine patches are a good option for people who cannot take oral pain medications. They are also a good choice for people who are looking for an alternative to pain medications that may have adverse effects.
Lidocaine patches are available over the counter and do not require a prescription. They are a safe and effective way to manage pain, and they are a good choice for people who are looking for an alternative to pain medications.
Are there any risks associated with using a lidocaine patch?
Lidocaine patches are a type of local anesthetic. They work by numbing the area where they are applied.
There are some risks associated with using lidocaine patches. The most serious potential complication is allergic reaction. People who are allergic to lidocaine or other local anesthetics may experience symptoms such as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
Other potential side effects of lidocaine patches include skin irritation, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Most side effects are mild and go away on their own.
If you experience any severe side effects after using a lidocaine patch, stop using the patch and seek medical attention immediately.
Lidocaine patches are a safe and effective way to relieve pain. However, as with any medication, there are some risks associated with their use. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any potential risks before using a lidocaine patch.