Lidoderm is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.
Lidoderm is used to relieve post-shingles pain. Apply Lidoderm only to intact skin with no blisters.
Lidocaine topical in other formulations is used to reduce pain or discomfort caused by skin irritations such as sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and minor cuts, scratches, hemorrhoids, and burns. Lidocaine topical can also be used to treat sores inside the mouth, during dental procedures to numb the gums, and to numb the skin for a medical procedure (such as getting stiches).
Important information
An overdose of Lidoderm can cause fatal side effects if too much lidocaine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood. This is more likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops). Your body may absorb more lidocaine if you use too much, if you apply it over large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Use the smallest amount of Lidoderm needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of Lidoderm, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice. Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.
Before using Lidoderm
An overdose of numbing medications can cause fatal side effects if too much of the medicine is absorbed through your skin and into your blood.
Overdose is more likely to occur when using a numbing medicine without the advice of a medical doctor (such as during a cosmetic procedure like laser hair removal). Symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), coma, slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).
Do not use Lidoderm if you are allergic to any other type of numbing medicine.
Before using Lidoderm, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, or broken, swollen, or damaged skin. You may not be able to use Lidoderm, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category B. Lidoderm is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Lidocaine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use Lidoderm?
Use Lidoderm exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.
Your body may absorb more lidocaine if you use too much, if you apply it over large skin areas, or if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas. Skin that is cut or irritated may also absorb more topical medication than healthy skin.
Use the smallest amount of this medication needed to numb the skin or relieve pain. Do not use large amounts of Lidoderm, or cover treated skin areas with a bandage or plastic wrap without medical advice. Be aware that many cosmetic procedures are performed without a medical doctor present.
Do not apply Lidoderm to swollen skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion.
Lidoderm may be applied with your finger tips or a cotton swab. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Store Lidoderm at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Lidoderm is used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are using the medication regularly, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Lidoderm applied to the skin is not likely to cause an overdose unless you apply more than the recommended dose. Overdose may also occur if you apply heat, bandages, or plastic wrap to treated skin areas.
Improper use of Lidoderm may result in death.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, nervousness, ringing in your ears, blurred vision, feeling hot or cold, numbness, muscle twitches, uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), slowed breathing, or respiratory failure (breathing stops).
What should I avoid?
Do not allow Lidoderm to come into contact with your eyes. If it does, rinse with water.
Avoid using other topical medications on the affected area unless your doctor has told you to.
Lidoderm side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Lidoderm: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Lidoderm and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Less serious Lidoderm side effects include:
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mild irritation, redness, or swelling where the medication is applied;
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numbness in places where the medicine is accidentally applied.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Lidoderm?
Before using Lidoderm, tell your doctor if you are taking medication to treat a heart rhythm disorder, such as:
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quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute);
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disopyramide (Norpace);
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flecainide (Tambocor);
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mexiletine (Mexitil);
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procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl);
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tocainide (Tonocard); or
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propafenone (Rythmol).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Lidoderm. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
