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.

  • 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 Lidocaine
View More

Browse medications

View All

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