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Compare Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Capsaicin (Capzasin-HP, Salonpas-Hot) and lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) are both medications used to relieve pain, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Capsaicin is a topical analgesic available over-the-counter (OTC) and is used for minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, such as those caused by arthritis and backaches. It comes in forms like cream, liquid, and patch. Lidoderm, on the other hand, is a prescription-only patch used to relieve nerve pain caused by a shingles. Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation and should not be applied to sensitive areas. Lidoderm patch is applied directly to the painful area of your skin once a day, and it can be worn for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Capsaicin is generally well-tolerated with few side effects, whereas Lidoderm can cause temporary skin irritation, redness, and a mild burning sensation where the patch is applied.

  • Capsaicin
    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
  • Capsaicin
    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)

  • Summary of Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

    Summary for Topical analgesic

    Capsaicin is a medication that can be applied to the skin (topical) to help relieve minor aches and pains. It's available over the counter (OTC) as a brand-name or lower-cost generic medication. It comes as a cream, liquid, and patch. Capsaicin is made from a chemical that comes from chili peppers, so it can cause a slight burning sensation when applied.

    Summary for Local anesthetic
    Prescription only

    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) is a prescription medication used to relieve nerve pain caused by a shingles infection, also called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It's a local anesthetic that works by numbing your nerves to help reduce pain. You apply the patch directly to the painful area of your skin once a day, and it can be worn for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Common side effects include temporary skin irritation, redness, and a mild burning sensation where the patch is applied.

  • Indications of Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

    Indications for

    Relief of minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:

    •Arthritis
    •Backache
    •Strains
    •Sprains
    •Bruises
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)

  • Pros and Cons of Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

    Pros and Const for Topical analgesic
    Pros
    •Available OTC as a lower-cost generic
    •Can be applied directly to the painful area
    •Comes as a patch, cream, and liquid
    •Patch can be worn for up to 8 hours
    •Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
    Cons
    •Can't be used in people who are allergic to chili peppers
    •Can't be applied to irritated or damaged skin
    •Can cause irritation if it makes contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose
    •Can cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight
    •Patch won't stick well to damp skin
    Pros and Const for Local anesthetic
    Pros
    •Works directly on the skin
    •Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
    •Can cut patches to fit the area of pain
    Cons
    •Commonly causes skin irritation
    •Must avoid contact with water wearing the patch
    •Might interact with many medications

  • Common Side Effects of Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

    Common Side Effects for
    •Burning sensation
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blisters
    •Bruising
    •Burning sensation
    •Changes in skin color
    •Rash or redness
    •Swelling
    •Peeling or flaking skin
    •Itching
    •Small bumps or spots
    •Tiny red or purple dots under the skin
    •Tingling or numbness in the area

  • Warnings of Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of serious burns
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
    •Absorbing too much medication
    •Accidental poisoning in children or pets

  • Prices with our coupons for Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

    Learn more about Capsaicin
    Learn more about Lidocaine 5% patch

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