Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Lidoderm vs. Menthol

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

Key takeaways

Lidoderm (lidocaine 5% patch) and topical menthol (BioFreeze, IcyHot) are both topical medications used to relieve pain, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. Lidoderm is a local anesthetic available by prescription and is specifically FDA-approved for treating nerve pain caused by shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia. It works by numbing the nerves in the skin. In contrast, menthol is an over-the-counter topical analgesic used for minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, such as those from arthritis, backache, and strains. Lidoderm is applied as a 5% patch that you wear for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period, while menthol comes in various forms like patches, gels, and sprays, with patches typically worn for up to 8 hours. Lidoderm can cause skin irritation and has potential interactions with other medications, while menthol is generally well-tolerated but can cause serious skin burns if misused. Additionally, Lidoderm patches can be cut to fit the area of pain, whereas menthol patches should not be cut.

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

  • Summary of Lidoderm vs. Menthol

    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.

    Summary for Topical analgesic

    Menthol is a medication that's applied to the skin to help relieve minor aches and pains. It's available over the counter (OTC) as brand-name and lower-cost generic options. Menthol comes in many different forms including patches, gel, cream, spray, and topical liquid. This medication doesn't cause many side effects, but it might not work as well as some other pain relief formulations that contain multiple ingredients.

  • Indications of Lidoderm vs. Menthol

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)
    Indications for

    Minor aches and pains in muscles and joints related to:

    •Arthritis
    •Backache
    •Strains
    •Sprains
    •Bruises
    •Cramps
    •Bursitis (inflamed bursa)
    •Tendonitis (inflamed tendon)

  • Pros and Cons of Lidoderm vs. Menthol

    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
    Pros and Const for Topical analgesic
    Pros
    •Available OTC as a lower-cost generic
    •Comes in many different formulations
    •Can be applied directly to the painful area
    •Generally well tolerated with few side effects
    •Patches can be worn for up to 8 hours.
    Cons
    •Can't apply to irritated or damaged skin
    •Shouldn't be used for more than 7 days at a time
    •Can cause irritation if it makes contact with the eyes
    •Shouldn't be used with other topical skin products
    •Patches won't stick well to damp or wet skin.

  • Common Side Effects of Lidoderm vs. Menthol

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation

  • Warnings of Lidoderm vs. Menthol

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lidoderm vs. Menthol

    Learn more about Lidocaine 5% patch
    Learn more about Menthol

Compare other Pain drugs

Benzocaine vs LidocaineCapsaicin vs LidocaineDibucaine vs LidocaineDiclofenac Epolamine vs LidocaineDiclofenac vs LidocaineElavil vs LidocaineLamictal vs LidocaineLidocaine vs CortisoneLidocaine vs DesipramineLidocaine vs HydrocortisoneLidocaine vs MentholLidocaine vs Methyl SalicylateLidocaine vs NeurontinLidocaine vs TegretolLyrica vs LidocainePamelor vs LidocainePhenol vs LidocainePramoxine Hcl vs LidocainePramoxine vs LidocaineTrolamine Salicylate vs LidocaineElavil vs PamelorIbuprofen vs DiclofenacLodine vs DiclofenacLyrica vs PamelorMaprotiline vs PamelorMeloxicam vs DiclofenacNaproxen vs DiclofenacPamelor vs CymbaltaRelafen vs DiclofenacTylenol vs Diclofenac
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.