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 | What is Lidoderm?
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|  Lidoderm is a patch that contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic. By blocking nerve endings in the skin, it can help relieve the pain that often follows a case of shingles (postherpetic neuralgia). In one study, 78 percent of people who used both a Lidoderm patch and a nonmedicated placebo patch reported greater pain relief from the Lidoderm patch. Cut the patch to fit over the painful area and apply only to intact skin. You can apply as many as three patches, only once for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour time period. Pain relief lasts four to 12 hours. Wash your hands after handling the patch so you don't get lidocaine (which can be irritating) in your eyes or mouth. Used patches still contain lidocaine, so dispose of them so children or pets can't accidentally be exposed to them. Sources:
Galer, B.S. "Topical Lidocaine Patch Relieves Postherpetic Neuralgia More Effectively Than a Vehicle Topical Patch: Results of an Enriched Enrollment Study," Pain 80 (1999).
Lidoderm Product Information. Endo Pharmaceuticals, 2006.
Rowbotham, M.C., "Lidocaine Patch: Double-Blind Controlled Study of a New Treatment Method for Post-Herpetic Neuralgia," Pain 65 (1996).
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
This answer prepared 5/23/2000.
This information updated 11/30/2006.
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