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Compare Lidoderm vs. Menthol

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

  • 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

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