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Compare Dibucaine vs. Lidoderm

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

Key takeaways

Dibucaine (Nupercainal) and lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) are both topical anesthetics used to relieve pain and itching. They work by numbing the area where they're applied. Dibucaine is available over-the-counter and is used for temporary relief of pain and itching from skin irritations and hemorrhoids. Lidoderm, on the other hand, is a prescription patch that's FDA-approved for nerve pain caused by shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia. Dibucaine is applied as an ointment up to 3 or 4 times a day, while Lidoderm is a patch that you apply for up to 12 hours, with at least 12 hours off in-between applications. Common side effects of dibucaine include redness and irritation, while lidocaine can cause blisters, skin irritation and, in rare cases, more serious side effects such as methemoglobinemia a blood problem that causes gray or blue-colored skin).

  • Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
  • Dibucaine (Nupercainal)
    Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)

  • Summary of Dibucaine vs. Lidoderm

    Summary for Local anesthetic

    Dibucaine (Nupercainal) is an over-the-counter topical (meaning it’s applied to the surface of your body) medication used to treat pain and itching from skin irritations and hemorrhoids. It’s available as a lower-cost generic medication, but it only provides temporary relief so you might need to reapply it multiple times throughout the day.

    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 Dibucaine vs. Lidoderm

    Indications for
    •Pain, itching, and burning caused by hemorrhoids or other problems near the anus or rectum
    •Pain and itching caused by sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts, burns, and skin irritation
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)

  • Pros and Cons of Dibucaine vs. Lidoderm

    Pros and Const for Local anesthetic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Usually works within 15 minutes to relieve pain and itching
    •Easy to use
    •Available over the counter
    Cons
    •Can't be used in children under 2 years of age
    •Needs to be used multiple times a day
    •Can't be used for more than 7 days
    •Only available as an ointment
    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 Dibucaine vs. Lidoderm

    Common Side Effects for

    See Risks and Warnings

    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 Dibucaine vs. Lidoderm

    Common Side Effects for
    •ALLERGIC REACTIONS
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
    •Absorbing too much medication
    •Accidental poisoning in children or pets

  • Prices with our coupons for Dibucaine vs. Lidoderm

    Learn more about Dibucaine
    Learn more about Lidocaine 5% patch

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