Lidocaine Uses

Prescription lidocaine patches (5% and 1.8%) are for treating pain from postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles). Over-the-counter lidocaine patches (4%) are used to treat minor pain in the arms, legs, back, neck, and shoulders.

There may be other uses of lidocaine, such as in spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia—your health system pharmacists or doctors can give you further lidocaine drug information.

Lidocaine Mechanism of Action

Lidocaine provides local anaesthesia by blocking sodium channels in nerve cell membranes. The blocking of sodium ion channels stops pain signals from the affected area to the central nervous system.

Lidocaine Doses

Prescription lidocaine transdermal is available as a 1.8% topical system (Ztildo) and a 5% patch (Lidoderm, Dermalid) for application to the skin. 

Non-prescription lidoderm transdermal is available as a 4% patch (Aspercreme, Lidocare, Absorbine Jr, Salonpas, others).