Lidoderm Side Effects

Generic name: lidocaine topical

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 29, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Lidoderm Side Effects associated with lidocaine topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Lidoderm.

Applies to lidocaine topical: topical application cream, topical application gel/jelly, topical application lotion, topical application ointment, topical application pad, topical application patch extended release, topical application powder, topical application solution, topical application spray, topical application swab.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Topical application route (solution)

Seizures, cardiopulmonary arrest, and death have been reported in patients under 3-years-old when lidocaine solution 2% was not administered according to dosing and administration recommendations.

This drug should not be used for teething pain and only be administered to patients under 3-years-old when absolutely necessary.

Serious side effects of Lidoderm

Along with its needed effects, lidocaine topical (the active ingredient contained in Lidoderm) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lidocaine topical:

Rare

• blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
• cough
• cracked, dry, or scaly skin
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• hives or welts, itching, skin rash
• hoarseness
• irritation
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• noisy breathing
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing or swallowing

Incidence not known

• blistering, bruising, burning, discoloration, itching, redness, or swelling at the application site
• bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• cold, clammy, or pale skin
• confusion
• dark urine
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness or dizziness
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• fear or nervousness
• headache
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• loss of consciousness
• no blood pressure or pulse
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rapid heart rate
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sore throat
• stopping of the heart
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• twitching
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects of Lidoderm

Some side effects of lidocaine topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
• change in taste
• cold or numbness
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• double vision
• hearing loss
• heat sensation
• lack or loss of strength
• metallic taste
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lidocaine topical: intradermal device, mucous membrane solution, mucous membrane spray, rectal cream, topical cream, topical film, topical gel, topical gel with applicator, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical solution, topical spray, topical stick.

General

The most common adverse events were administration site reactions: burning, dermatitis, erythema, pruritus, rash, skin irritation, and vesicles.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Erythema (up to 67.3%), petechiae (up to 46.4%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin lesion, skin injury
• Frequency not reported: Flushing, cutaneous lesions, urticaria, dermatitis^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Administration site reactions
• Common (1% to 10%): Irritation, redness, itching, application site erythema, application site burning, application site pain, application site pruritus, edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Venipuncture site hemorrhage, burning sensation
• Frequency not reported: Locus of abnormal sensation, paleness (pallor or blanching), alteration in temperature sensation, blisters, bruising, depigmentation, dermatitis, discoloration, exfoliation, papules, petechiae, vesicles, application site dermatitis, application site vesicles, skin irritation^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness
• Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, drowsiness, tinnitus, nystagmus, headache, nausea, vomiting, sensations of heat, cold or numbness, twitching, tremors, paraesthesia, convulsions, unconsciousness, respiratory depression and arrest, pain and/or dysesthesia in the buttocks or legs, unconsciousness
• Postmarketing reports: Headache, hyperesthesia, hypoesthesia, lightheadedness, metallic taste, somnolence, taste alteration^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasopharyngitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions, anaphylactic shock, angioedema, bronchospasm, shock, dyspnea, laryngospasm^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmia, cardiovascular collapse, cardiac arrest, AV block, myocardial depression^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Methemoglobinemia^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Corneal irritation, blurred or double vision
• Postmarketing reports: Visual disturbances^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Endotracheal tube occlusion
• Frequency not reported: Sore throat, hoarseness, loss of voice^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Confusion, psychosis, disorientation, dizziness^[Ref]

Other

• Postmarketing reports: Open wound, asthenia, pain exacerbated^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What is the advantage of ZTlido over Lidoderm?

Further information

Lidoderm side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer