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Lidocaine pain relief patches
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- Salonpas Lidocaine 4% gel-patch. Best for: Up to 8 hours of numbing on one sore area. See options on Amazon
- Aspercreme Lidocaine XL patch. Best for: People who prefer an XL-size patch. See options on Amazon
- 4% lidocaine patch multi-pack. Best for: Regular use on the same area. See options on Amazon
What a lidocaine patch does
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic. OTC patches list lidocaine 4% as a topical anesthetic for the temporary relief of pain. Salonpas describes its gel-patch as numbing relief and sizes it at 3 15/16 by 5 1/2 inches.
A 2021 review in Drug Design, Development and Therapy notes that topical lidocaine has limited absorption and few whole-body side effects, is approved in several countries for nerve pain after shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia), and has some evidence in post-surgical pain, diabetic nerve pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis.
The review describes topical lidocaine as an attractive option for vulnerable patients because so little reaches the bloodstream, and as something that can be used alone or alongside other medicines and non-drug approaches. The Salonpas box lists the back, neck, shoulders, knees and elbows as places to use its patch.
Two OTC patches compared
| Label detail | Salonpas Lidocaine 4% | Aspercreme Lidocaine XL |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Lidocaine 4% | Lidocaine 4% |
| How many | 1 patch at a time | 1 patch on your body at a time |
| How often | Not more than 3 to 4 times daily | Not more than 3 to 4 times daily |
| Wear time | Remove after at most 8 hours | Follow label directions |
| Ages | 12 and over | 12 and older |
Details are from DailyMed labels. Aspercreme also says not to use it together with other topical analgesics.
How to apply one
- Clean and dry the skin first, as both labels say.
- Peel and place. Aspercreme describes removing part of the backing, positioning the patch, then peeling the rest.
- One at a time. Do not layer patches or combine with rubs or other pain creams.
- Watch the clock. Salonpas says remove after at most 8 hours.
- Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch, as Aspercreme directs.
For menthol and salicylate rubs, see our muscle rub cream guide; do not use them on the same area at the same time.
Warnings on the label
- No heat. Both labels say not to use with a heating pad; Aspercreme adds not to expose the area to local heat or direct sunlight.
- Intact skin only. Do not use on wounds or damaged skin, and avoid eyes, mucous membranes and rashes.
- No tight bandage over the patch, as both labels warn, and use the patch only as directed.
- Allergy. Salonpas says not to use it if you are allergic to any ingredient.
- Pregnancy or breast-feeding. Ask a health professional first.
Safe disposal around children and pets
The Aspercreme label warns that used patches may still contain drug that can cause serious harm if a child or pet swallows them. It says to fold the sticky ends together before throwing a used patch away, and to keep patches out of reach of children and pets. If a patch is swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
Store unused patches as the label directs; Salonpas says to avoid direct sunlight and excessive moisture.
When to stop and see a doctor
- Skin reactions. Salonpas says stop for rash, itching, redness, irritation, pain, swelling or blistering where the patch was applied.
- Severe burning. Aspercreme says stop for severe burning pain, swelling or blistering.
- No better in 7 days. Both say to stop and ask a doctor if pain worsens, lasts more than 7 days, or clears and returns within a few days.
- Children under 12. Ask a doctor.
For ongoing nerve pain, ask your doctor about prescription options, which the 2021 review discusses.
What to look for when you buy
Salonpas Lidocaine 4% gel-patch
Best for: Up to 8 hours of numbing on one sore area
The label lists lidocaine 4%, 1 patch at a time, removed after at most 8 hours, 3 15/16 by 5 1/2 inches.
Watch out: Not with a heating pad; stop for rash or blistering.
See options on AmazonAspercreme Lidocaine XL patch
Best for: People who prefer an XL-size patch
The label lists lidocaine 4% with a step-by-step peel-and-place backing.
Watch out: Fold used patches and keep them away from children and pets.
See options on Amazon4% lidocaine patch multi-pack
Best for: Regular use on the same area
OTC 4% lidocaine patches are widely sold in multi-count boxes.
Watch out: Check the label's wear time and daily limit before use.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- How long can I leave a lidocaine patch on?
- The Salonpas label says remove it after at most 8 hours.
- Can I use two lidocaine patches at once?
- No. Both labels say to use only 1 patch at a time on your body.
- Can I use a heating pad with a lidocaine patch?
- No. The labels say not to use one with a heating pad.
- Are lidocaine patches safe for kids?
- Labels say ask a doctor under 12, and used patches can harm children or pets if swallowed.
- Do lidocaine patches work for back pain?
- A 2021 review found some evidence in chronic low back pain; see a doctor if pain lasts more than 7 days.
Sources
- Salonpas Lidocaine Pain Relieving Patch label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, National Library of Medicine
- Aspercreme Lidocaine XL Patch label (dailymed.nlm.nih.gov), DailyMed, National Library of Medicine
- Topical Lidocaine for Chronic Pain Treatment (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Drug Design, Development and Therapy (PMC8487862)