Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Lidoderm vs. Methyl salicylate

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

Key takeaways

Lidoderm (lidocaine 5% patch) and methyl salicylate are both topical medications used to relieve pain, but they belong to different medication classes. Lidoderm is a prescription patch that's FDA-approved for treating nerve pain from shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia. It works by numbing the nerves in the skin. Methyl salicylate, on the other hand, is a topical analgesic available over-the-counter and is used for minor aches and pains in muscles and joints, such as those from arthritis or sprains. Lidoderm is applied as a 5% patch that you wear for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period, while methyl salicylate comes in various forms like patches, creams, and ointments, and can be applied multiple times a day. Lidoderm is prescription-only, whereas methyl salicylate is available without a prescription. Common side effects of Lidoderm include skin irritation and redness, while methyl salicylate may cause a burning sensation. Both medications should not be applied to damaged skin, and you should avoid using heat over the application area to prevent absorbing too much medication.

  • Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
    Methyl salicylate
  • Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm)
    Methyl salicylate

  • Summary of Lidoderm vs. Methyl salicylate

    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

    Methyl salicylate is a topical counter-irritant that makes the skin less sensitive to pain so it's used to help relieve minor aches and pains. It's available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product that's applied to the skin. Depending on the product, it could be safe to use in both children and adults. It comes as a patch, cream, lotion, ointment, and stick. Luckily methyl salicylate doesn't have many side effects, but it can sometimes cause a burning sensation after applying.

  • Indications of Lidoderm vs. Methyl salicylate

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

    Minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:

    •Arthritis
    •Backache
    •Strains
    •Sprains
    •Bruises
    •Damaged nerves

  • Pros and Cons of Lidoderm vs. Methyl salicylate

    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
    •Can be applied directly to the painful area
    •Comes as a patch, cream, ointment, lotion, and stick
    •Generally well tolerated with few side effects
    Cons
    •Can't be applied to irritated or damaged skin
    •Can't be used in people who are allergic to aspirin or salicylates
    •Possibly cause salicylate poisoning if using too much of the product
    •The patch won't stick well to damp skin

  • Common Side Effects of Lidoderm vs. Methyl salicylate

    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
    •Burning sensation

  • Warnings of Lidoderm vs. Methyl salicylate

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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lidoderm vs. Methyl salicylate

    Learn more about Lidocaine 5% patch
    Learn more about Methyl salicylate

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 LidocaineCogentin vs NeurontinHaldol vs NeurontinLamictal vs NeurontinLyrica vs NeurontinMirapex vs NeurontinNeurontin vs ChlorpromazineNeurontin vs CymbaltaNeurontin vs DepakoteNeurontin vs DesipramineNeurontin vs Dilantin
View More

Browse medications

View All

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