Lidocaine Patches
Description
The lidocaine patch is a topical anesthetic product in the form of patches, acting to alleviate localized nerve/muscle pain. These medicated patches contain lidocaine, an analgesic agent that temporarily obstructs the specific nerves from impulses in the area where applied. They are often used against postherpetic neuralgia following shingles, muscle pain, back pain, or even minor injuries. Unlike oral drugs, lidocaine patches deliver pain relief directly over the area without involving the entire body.
Clinical Uses
Principal Uses:
Lidocaine patches are suitable for patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Patients experience pain that lasts beyond the acute shingles infection, and the patches relieve the flaming and tingling, sharp cutting pain that emanates from damaged nerves within the skin in real time.
Localized muscle and joint pain, such as lower back pain and shoulder strain, may also be treated with lidocaine patches. Thus, patients can apply the patch directly onto their painful area and obtain localized relief without using the general side effects associated with oral painkillers.
In some cases, this is instituted in lidocaine patches for patients with osteoarthritic joint pain. The vicinity around the patch would thus be numbed and allow for temporary relief from pain and inflammation on occasion.
Off-label Uses:
Off-label, lidocaine patches may be used for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia pain, or even pain from surgical incisions. Even though the FDA doesn't recognize them, medical professionals often recommend them in cases where oral medications are not well tolerated or where localized relief is most welcome.
How Do Lidocaine Patches Work?
Mechanism of Action:
Lidocaine is a sodium channel blocker that interferes with the passage of nerve impulses. When using a patch for topical application, the lidocaine penetrates and binds nerve endings within that area. This is done by preventing nerves from passing on the pain messages to the brain, leading to a numb sensation and relief in the affected region as the total nervous system remains unchanged.
Dosage and Administration
Recommended Dosage:
Most lidocaine patches contain 5% lidocaine and are applied once daily to the painful area. Normally, it can utilize up to three patches at one time, depending on the size of the area one is treating. The patches are usually applied for 12 hours and taken off for 12 hours so that there are no irritating skin effects or overexposure.
Administration Instructions:
Skin must be clean and dry before patching. Remove the liner protectively and press the patch firmly on the skin. Avoid application on broken, irritated, or inflamed skin. Patches may be discarded after 12 hours. Consult a health professional if irritation occurs before reapplication. While wearing the patch, do not let it come into contact with water to ensure proper adherence and effectiveness.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Typically, mild irritation, redness, or itching occurs in the area where the lidocaine patches are attached. Such reactions tend to be transient and vanish soon after the removal of the patches from the skin.
Though mild burning or extremely mild tingling can sometimes be experienced soon after putting on the patches, these symptoms spontaneously resolve and require no treatment.
Serious Side Effects:
Though it's rare, serious side effects may also give rise to allergic reactions, dizziness, drowsiness, or an irregular heartbeat from overuse of patches and if applied to broken skin. The risks of systemic absorption of lidocaine that can result are high. Upon the occurrence of symptoms like confusion, blurred vision, or chest pain, one must immediately seek medical help.
Warnings and Precautions
Major Warnings:
It is not advisable to apply lidocaine patches on broken or inflamed skin, as they increase the chance of overdosing on medication. Lidocaine, even in smaller amounts, can potentially cause central nervous system toxicity, more so in healthy children or elderly patients. Patients should never exceed the prescribed number and duration each day.
Precautions:
Skin must not have undergone any treatment with local anesthetics. Use lidocaine patches only on intact skin and never near the eyes or mucous membranes. Inform your physician if you have any history of liver disease, heart rhythm disorders, or allergies to local anesthetics. Always follow the directions on the package or provided by your healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions
Medications to Avoid:
The lidocaine patch is approved for topical use; however, its adverse effects may be correlated with systemic absorption when used in excess. As a result, patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs or other local anesthetics should notify the physician since these can interact and increase the likelihood of toxicity.
Alcohol and Lidocaine Patches:
No clear interaction exists between alcohol and lidocaine patches, but patients should refrain from drinking alcohol if they experience dizziness or drowsiness from the patch; such drinking can worsen the symptoms.
Handling Missed Dose and Overdose
Missed Dose:
If the patch dose happens to be missed, it should be applied as soon as possible unless it is very close to the next regular patch application. Do not increase the number of patches to compensate for missed applications.
Overdose:
Overdoses or misapplication can cause toxicity with lidocaine, which may present as dizziness, seizures, disorder in heartbeat, or difficulty in breathing. If it is suspected that an overdose has occurred, remove the patch immediately and access emergency medical care.
Storage and Disposal
Storage Guidelines:
Room temperature is optimal for storing lidocaine patches. Heat and sunlight must have no access. Keep them in their original packaging until you need them. Such a product should be kept out of children's reach.
Disposal Instructions:
Fold used patches in half with the sticky sides together, and throw them in the trash can. Patches should not be flushed or any remaining medication down the drain. Follow local instructions or ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How can I order lidocaine patches?
There are verified pharmacies, like Rapid RX, that order lidocaine patches. Some strengths require a prescription, and lower strengths may be purchased without a doctor's order.
How can you store a lidocaine patch?
They may be kept in a cool, dry place at room temperature, out of direct sunlight, with their packaging remaining sealed until needed for use.
What are the dosages available in these patches?
The standard strengths for lidocaine patches are 5% and 4%. Usually, the 5% patches are made available through prescription, whereas the 4% versions can be procured over the counter.
Can I apply lidocaine patches regardless of eating?
So long as those patches are topical, there is no effect as far as food intake is concerned, though the patches must not be applied close to the mouth or ingested.
What will be the time taken for lidocaine patches to work?
Most patients feel relief from pain after about 30 minutes to 1 hour after applying the patch, while the analgesic effect generally lasts through wearing them, which tends to be about 12 hours.
Does the lidocaine patch cause drowsiness?
Systemic drowsiness rarely occurs, but patients may occasionally feel tired or dizzy if an excess of the drug is absorbed. Use the patch as directed to minimize risk.
What should I avoid while using lidocaine patches?
Heat exposure (i.e., heating pads) over the patch is prohibited, as it may lead to increased absorption. Water exposure, such as swimming or showering while wearing the patch, should also be avoided.
How do lidocaine patches compare with oral pain medications?
Lidocaine patches provide localized relief without affecting the entire body and are hence favored in preference to specific site pain. On the other hand, oral medication works throughout the body and may have more side effects compared to lidocaine patches.
Related Products
Complementary Medications:
Some patients using lidocaine patches benefit from anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or physical therapy. Antidepressants or anticonvulsants may be prescribed for some types of nerve-related pain.
Other Supplies:
Supportive therapy like heat/cooling packs, pressure clothes, and TENS use often enhances pain management alongside patches of lidocaine.
Customer Reviews:
“I used the 5% lidocaine patches for my shingles pain, and they made a huge difference. I was finally able to sleep through the night.”
- Darren P., WebMD“These patches help with my lower back pain better than pills. I love that they’re non-drowsy.”
- Lisa M., Drugs.com“They take a little time to kick in but once they do, the pain relief lasts for hours. Just wish they stuck better during workouts.”
- Arjun K., Everyday Health“I have fibromyalgia and use these patches on my shoulders. They really help reduce the soreness.”
- Emily R., Healthgrades“Super easy to use, and I like that it doesn’t upset my stomach like other pain meds.”
- Brenda J., Mayo Clinic Reviews
