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Compare Aspercreme Original vs. Lidoderm

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

Key takeaways

Trolamine salicylate (Aspercreme Original) and lidocaine (Lidoderm) are both topical medications used to relieve pain, but they belong to different medication classes. Trolamine salicylate is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for minor aches and pains like arthritis and muscle strains. Lidocaine viscous is a local anesthetic used for temporary relief of pain or discomfort from cuts, burns, and other skin conditions, as well as joint or muscle pain. Trolamine salicylate is available over-the-counter in forms like cream, spray, and foam, while lidocaine comes as a patch and is avaiable as a prescription or an OTC. Trolamine salicylate is applied up to four times a day, whereas lidocaine is applied once daily for a 12-hour period. Both medications can cause skin irritation. Lidocaine can also cause a mild burning sensation where you applied the patch.

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

  • Summary of Aspercreme Original vs. Lidoderm

    Summary for Topical analgesic

    Trolamine salicylate is a topical analgesic that helps relieve minor aches and pains from certain conditions, like muscle sprains and arthritis. This medication is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's similar to aspirin. Trolamine salicylate can be used by people ages 12 years and older. It's applied directly to the affected areas, typically up to 4 times a day. This medication comes in different forms, such as cream, spray, and foam. Trolamine salicylate might cause skin irritation as a side effect. It's available over the counter (OTC) as brand name and lower-cost generic medications.

    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.

  • Indications of Aspercreme Original vs. Lidoderm

    Indications for

    Temporary relief of minor pains caused by:

    •Arthritis
    •Backache
    •Strains
    •Sprains
    •Bruises
    •Cramps
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain caused by shingles (postherpetic neuralgia)

  • Pros and Cons of Aspercreme Original vs. Lidoderm

    Pros and Const for Topical analgesic
    Pros
    •Can be applied directly to the painful area
    •Comes as a cream, foam, and spray
    •Doesn't have an odor
    •Available over-the-counter
    Cons
    •Might need to apply up to 4 times daily
    •Can't be applied to irritated or damaged skin
    •Not for people allergic to aspirin or salicylates
    •Can't use with other topical analgesics
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Aspercreme Original vs. Lidoderm

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dryness or redness at the application site
    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

  • Warnings of Aspercreme Original vs. Lidoderm

    Common Side Effects for
    •Salicylate toxicity
    •Allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
    •Absorbing too much medication
    •Accidental poisoning in children or pets

  • Prices with our coupons for Aspercreme Original vs. Lidoderm

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

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