How To Use Lidocaine

Prescription lidocaine transdermal patches should be applied to the skin once a day as needed. Do not use more than 3 patches in 24 hours. Also, do not wear a patch for more than 12 hours (12 hours on, then off 12 hours). 

Over-the-counter lidocaine patches can be applied to the skin 3 times per day. Do not use it for more than 8 hours per application. Make sure you remove the old patch before applying a new one.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label or package carefully for the transdermal patches as well as other forms of the local anaesthetics such as gels and creams. Use lidocaine exactly as directed. Do not use a higher or lower dose or use it more often than advised. Applying too many patches or leaving them on for too long can cause serious side effects.

Apply the lidocaine patch to clean, dry skin in an area where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing. Do not bandage the area where you are wearing the patch. Also, take care to apply the patch only to intact skin and not on any open cuts or wounds, irritated or red skin, or skin affected by rashes, burns, or other skin problems. 

Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the patches.

If you develop burning or irritation while wearing a lidocaine patch, remove it and do not use another patch until the irritation goes away. 

You can cut the prescription patches and topical systems into smaller sizes with a pair of scissors before you remove the release liner. 

Avoid contact of a lidocaine transdermal patch with your eyes. If a patch touches your eye, wash it immediately with water and protect it until eye sensation returns. 

Do not expose skin where you are wearing a lidocaine transdermal patch to direct heat such as from an electric blanket or heating pad. This can result in increased blood flow to the area and excessive absorption of the medicine. However, you can apply the 1.8% lidocaine topical system after exposing the area to moderate heat (for example, with 15 minutes of heating pad on a medium setting). 

You should not shower, bathe, or swim with the prescription lidocaine 5% transdermal patch on. If you are using the prescription 1.8% lidocaine topical system, you can shower for up to 10 minutes or immerse the topical system in water for up to 15 minutes. If the 1.8% topical system gets wet, pat it dry, but do not rub it. 

In case the lidocaine 1.8% topical system lifts off at the edges or comes off completely, try re-attaching it by pressing down firmly upon it. If it does not stick, remove the old patch and apply a new one but take the new patch off when the original 12 hours of use are over. 

If your pain continues or worsens after 7 days of using non-prescription lidocaine 4% patches, call your doctor.

Missed dose: Lidocaine patches are used as needed. If you are using them on schedule and you miss a dose, apply a patch as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next application, skip the missed one and apply the next dose according to your regular schedule. Do not apply two patches of local anesthetics together. 

Storage: Store lidocaine transdermal patches at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused lidocaine patches should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw lidocaine transdermal patches in the trash or flush them down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded lidocaine patches is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on lidocaine. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about lidocaine, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

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