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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

 

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Lidocaine 5% patch

(Lidoderm)

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Summary for Capsaicin

Over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Capsaicin

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

  • Arthritis
  • Backache
  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Bruises

Pros and Cons for Capsaicin

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

Common Side Effects for Capsaicin

  • Burning sensation
  • Itching

Warnings for Capsaicin

  • Risk of serious burns

Summary for Lidoderm

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 for Lidoderm

Pros and Cons for Lidoderm

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 for Lidoderm

  • 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 for Lidoderm

  • Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
  • Absorbing too much medication
  • Accidental poisoning in children or pets

Prices with our coupons for Capsaicin vs. Lidoderm

Price Card Drug Icon
Capsaicin1 tube / 42.5g of 0.1%
$16.07$20.11
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Lidocaine30 patches / 5%
$60.46$288.87
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