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.
