Lidoderm

The active ingredient in Lidoderm is lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, only having effects at the site of application. It works by blocking pain signals so that you do not perceive the pain, making it an effective form of pain management.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Lidoderm. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lidoderm:

• Lidoderm should be used exactly as prescribed.
• The patch should be applied to clean, intact skin for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period. You can cut the patches to fit the most painful area where you are applying them. When discarding after use, fold the used patch on itself to prevent transferring leftover medication to someone else.
• Do not use external heat sources, such as heating pads or electric blankets, on top of the Lidoderm patch. Doing so could lead to unpredictable release of the medication from the patch, leading to too much lidocaine in a short amount of time.
• While handling the patch, avoid contact with the eyes.

The most common side effects of Lidoderm include:

• Skin reactions at the application site, such as burning, blisters, bruises, skin irritation or redness, or itchiness. These reactions should be mild and temporary. Anything more severe or more permanent should be followed up on by your prescriber.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lidoderm. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction such as severe skin reactions, swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue, difficulty breathing, and hives.
• Signs of methemoglobinemia, a serious but rare blood disorder that makes it hard for your red blood cells to carry oxygen. Signs could include pale, gray, or blue skin, headache, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue or drowsiness.
• Signs of lidocaine toxicity such as numbness and tingling around your mouth and tongue, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and blurred vision.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lidoderm. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lidoderm, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Liver problems
• Broken or inflamed skin. Lidoderm should only be applied to skin that is intact and non-irritated.

Do not use Lidoderm if you have an allergy to lidocaine, another amide anesthetic, or any of the other ingredients in Lidoderm.

The effects of lidocaine should be immediate. You should expect relief in your symptoms soon after applying.

When Lidoderm is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Class I Antiarrhythmics such as tocainide and mexiletine
• Local anesthetics such as benzocaine and procaine
• Nitrates/nitrites
• Cyclophosphamide
• Flutamide
• Hydroxyurea
• Ifosfamide
• Rasburicase
• Dapsone
• Nitrofurantoin
• Para-aminosalicylic acid
• Sulfonamides
• Chloroquine
• Primaquine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Sodium valproate
• Acetaminophen
• Metoclopramide
• Quinine
• Sulfasalazine

Lidoderm is available in the following dosage form and strength: 5% lidocaine patch.

The active ingredient in Lidoderm is also available under another brand name called Ztlido, which has a lower amount of lidocaine. There are also OTC products that contain lidocaine and are available without a prescription.

Lidoderm should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children.

Lidoderm is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company TPU Pharma.

Yes, there is a generic available for the brand-name Lidoderm.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing medications while using Lidoderm.

Lidoderm has not been studied in pregnancy and is only recommended to be used if necessary. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Lidoderm can pass into the breastmilk, but its safety in the breastfeeding infant is unknown. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.