The Lidoderm patch is a prescription medication used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a burning, stabbing pain that can occur after an outbreak of shingles. The patch contains 5% lidocaine, which is an anesthetic that works by causing a temporary loss of feeling in the area where it is applied. The patch is applied to clean, dry, intact skin and should not be applied to an open wound or cut, to skin that is irritated or red, or to skin that is affected by a rash, burn, or other skin problem.
The Lidoderm patch contains the following inactive ingredients: dihydroxyaluminum aminoacetate, disodium edetate, gelatin, glycerin, kaolin, methylparaben, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium polyacrylate, D-sorbitol, tartaric acid, and urea.
Nonprescription lidocaine patches are also available, such as the Salonpas Lidocaine 4% Pain Relieving Maximum Strength Gel-Patch, which contains 4% lidocaine and is used to provide temporary relief of pain and stiffness associated with sore back, neck, wrist, ankle, hip, shoulder, knee, and elbow. The patch uses hydro-gel based technology and is unscented.
Positive aspects of the Lidoderm patch include its effectiveness in relieving pain associated with PHN. Negative aspects include the potential for serious adverse effects if a small child or pet chews or ingests a new or used patch, as even a used patch contains a large amount of lidocaine.
