Generic name: lidocaine (skin patch) [ LYE-doe-kane ]
Brand names: Aspercreme with Lidocaine, Lidocare Pain Relief Patch, Lidoderm, Salonpas Maximum Strength, ZTlido
Dosage form: topical film (1.8%; 3.5%; 4%; 5%)
Drug class: Topical anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 19, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is lidocaine patch?

Lidocaine patch is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). There are many brands of lidocaine patch available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Lidocaine patch is used to treat adults and children at least 12 years old to provide temporary relief of muscle or joint pain or discomfort.

Lidocaine patch is also used in adults to treat nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster).

Lidocaine patch may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lidocaine patch side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Lidocaine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• dizziness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness;

• severe burning, pain, swelling, itching, irritation, blistering, or other skin injury where the patch is worn;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);

• hot or cold feeling;

• anxiety, tremors, feeling nervous, restless, or excited;

• confusion, problems with vision, ringing in your ears; or

• pale, gray, or blue colored skin, headache, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, or tiredness.

Common side effects of lidocaine may include:

• irritation, redness, or itching where the patch is worn; or

• numbness in places where the medicine is accidentally 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin. Do not use lidocaine more often or longer than directed.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use lidocaine patch if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency;

• a blood cell disorder called methemoglobinemia (in you or a family member);

• heart or lung problems; or

• liver disease.

You may develop methemoglobinemia, rare blood disorder preventing tissues from receiving enough oxygen. Ask your doctor about your risk.

It is not known if lidocaine patch will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not apply this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use lidocaine patch?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Lidocaine patch is usually applied 1 to 4 times daily depending on the formulation. Do not use lidocaine more often or longer than directed. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not apply on the nose and mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Clean and dry the affected area with soap and water before application. Wash your hands after applying or removing the patch. You may wear clothing over the area of application.

Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat.

Apply the patch to clean, dry, healthy skin. Do not apply this medicine to wounds or skin that is damaged.

If a burning feeling or irritation occurs during application, wash lidocaine patch off your skin and do not reapply this medicine until the irritation or burning goes away.

After removing the patch, throw it away by folding in half so the adhesive side sticks to itself. Keep used and unused patches out of the reach of children or pets. A patch could be fatal to a child or pet who accidentally chews on it. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

If you are using this medicine for temporary pain relief, call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, if it gets worse, or if it clears up and then comes back in a few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Lidocaine patch is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

An overdose of numbing medicine can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizures, slow breathing, coma, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).

Lidocaine patch applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose.

What should I avoid while using lidocaine patch?

Certain brand forms of the patch may not stick if it gets wet and you may need to avoid contact with water, such as bathing, swimming, or showering.

Do not get lidocaine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with lidocaine patch, unless you doctor tells you to.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other topical medicines for pain relief or medicines containing lidocaine patch.

What other drugs will affect lidocaine patch?

Lidocaine patch can cause methemoglobinemia. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines such as local anesthetics or medicine for infections, inflammatory conditions, seizure, heart problems, high blood pressure, cancer, or malaria.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially heart medications such as tocainide and mexiletine.

Other drugs may affect lidocaine patch, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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