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Generic Lidospot

Used for Pain

Lidocaine/menthol patch is an over-the-counter medication that's applied to the skin for temporary pain relief. The patches usually contain 4% lidocaine with either 1% or 4% menthol. Most people experience few to no side effects if they used this medication as directed. Lidocaine/menthol patch is available as a lower-cost generic.

Reviewed by:

Ally Tsai, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 29, 2022

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Alternatives Prices Medicare

What is Lidocaine/menthol patch?

What is Lidocaine/menthol patch used for?

Short-term relief of pain

How Lidocaine/menthol patch works

Lidocaine/menthol patch is a combination of two medications.

Lidocaine is a local pain reliever. It eases skin discomfort by numbing the nerves and making them less sensitive to pain or irritation. Lidocaine works locally, which means it lowers pain in the area of skin closely around or directly in contact with the medication.
Menthol is a chemical found in peppermint or other mint plants. It works by causing a cooling sensation that makes the nerves on your skin less sensitive to pain.

Are you looking for information on lidocaine patches instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsLenzaPro, Point Relief Lidospot, Lidozen

Drug ClassLocal analgesic

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityOver-the-counter

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Avg retail price

$187.25(save 96.07%)

GoodRx discount

$7.35

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What are the side effects of Lidocaine/menthol patch?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Please note: The following side effects are those reported with lidocaine patches. The side effects you experience with lidocaine/menthol patch might differ.

Bruising
Burning sensation
Dry, itchy skin
Peeling skin
Changes in skin color
Warmth on skin
Small red or purple spots caused by bleeding underneath the skin
Small bumps on skin
Blisters

Other Side Effects

Lidocaine patches

Feeling confused
Dizziness
Headache
Feeling faint
Feeling very tired and having no energy
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Nausea
Vomiting
Changes in taste
Blurry vision
Ringing in the ears
Tremors

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Too much lidocaine in your body: Drowsiness, confusion, slow heart beat, trouble breathing, difficulty controlling muscle movements
Serious blood problems with methemoglobinemia: Gray or blue-colored skin (cyanosis), headache, slow or fast heart beat, shortness of breath, dizziness, general lack of energy, chest pain, confusion, convulsions

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Irritation at application site

Pros and cons of Lidocaine/menthol patch

Pros

Few side effects if used as directed

Available over the counter, so you don't need a prescription from a provider

Combines 2 topical medications into one patch for convenience

Can be applied directly to the painful area

Cons

Not a good choice if you have pain in many areas of your body

Used patches might still contain enough medication to be dangerous to children and pets

Not ideal for pain with swelling (inflammation)

Can sometimes cause a skin reaction where applied

Pharmacist tips for Lidocaine/menthol patch

Don't use more than one patch of lidocaine/menthol patch at a time. Also, avoid using other topical pain medications while you use lidocaine/menthol patch. This is because lidocaine can be found in many over-the-counter pain medications that you apply on your skin. Using too much lidocaine can cause you to absorb more of the medication, which can lead to skin irritations or more serious side effects, such as seizure, heart rhythm problems, and coma.

Don't cover the treated area with a bandage or heating pad after applying lidocaine/menthol patch. This can change how your body absorbs the medication.

Lidocaine/menthol patch should only be used on the outside of your body (e.g., skin) that's intact. Don't it on wounds, cuts, or irritated skin. Tell your provider right away if you've signs or symptoms of a skin injury, such as pain, swelling, or blistering where the medication was applied.

Don't put lidocaine/menthol patch in your mouth, and never use it in your eyes, nose, or ears to avoid side effects. Wash your hands before and after applying lidocaine/menthol patch to help prevent getting the medication in your eyes or mouth.

Stop using lidocaine/menthol patch and talk with your provider if you've been using this medication for more than a week or if symptoms (e.g., skin pain) come back after clearing up. Also let your provider know if you get excessive irritation on the skin, or if your pain has gotten worse. Your provider can make sure there are no other serious medical conditions going on.

Store lidocaine/menthol patch at room temperature and keep them away from areas with too much moisture (e.g., bathroom cabinets). Keep the medication in its original pouch to protect it from light. When using, take out one patch at a time and reseal the pouch with the remaining patches.

Put lidocaine/menthol patch up and away and out of children's reach and sight. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medicine that was left out. Always put medication away every time you use it. If you think that your child might’ve accidentally swallowed a lidocaine/menthol patch, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if you aren't completely sure.

Frequently asked questions about Lidocaine/menthol patch

What's the difference between lidocaine/menthol patch and lidocaine (Lidoderm) 5% patch?

Lidocaine/menthol patch and lidocaine (Lidoderm) 5% patch are both patches that contain lidocaine. One main difference between the two is what they're used for. While lidocaine/menthol patch is for short-term pain relief, lidocaine (Lidoderm) 5% patch is FDA-approved to ease pain from shingles. Another difference is how many patches you can apply. You should only apply 1 lidocaine/menthol patch at a time. But you can apply up to 3 patches of lidocaine (Lidoderm) 5% patch on the skin. The lidocaine (Lidoderm) 5% patch can also be cut to fit the area of pain. A third difference is how you can get each medication. Lidocaine/menthol patch contains 4% lidocaine and is available over-the-counter without a prescription. Lidocaine (Lidoderm) 5% patch is only available as a prescription medication. Ask your provider about the pros and cons of each product to decide which one is the better choice for you.

Can I take a shower while I have lidocaine/menthol patch on?

Read the package label to see if you can wear your lidocaine/menthol patch in water. Most patches that contain lidocaine shouldn't be worn while showering, bathing, or swimming. This is because the patch might not stick as well if it gets wet. Consider taking off your patch before going into the water. If your patch starts to fall off, replace it with a new patch. Make sure the total length of time you’re exposed to lidocaine/menthol patch doesn’t go over 12 hours in one day.

Why do I need to remove lidocaine/menthol patch after 12 hours?

You can absorb too much lidocaine if you leave the patch on for more than 12 hours. This can put you at higher risk for side effects, such as skin redness, itching, and irritation. If too much lidocaine builds up in your body, you might experience more serious side effects, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. Speak with your provider if you have any side effects while you're using lidocaine/menthol patch.

Can I use lidocaine/menthol patch for my child's skin pain?

Maybe. If your child is 12 years or older, you can potentially use this patch. However, if your child is younger than 12 years old, ask your child's provider. Applying lidocaine/menthol patch patches to young children can cause a serious blood condition that results in gray or blue-colored skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Contact your child's provider before using this medication.

How should I dispose of lidocaine/menthol patch after I'm done?

After you're done with a lidocaine/menthol patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky side pressed together. The used patch will still have some medication in it. It can cause serious side effect if it sticks on or is eaten by a child or a pet. Folding the patch in half ensures that the side with the medication is covered up. Afterwards, throw away the used patch in regular trash or take it to a drug take back program. Wash your hands with soap and water after discarding your patch.

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What are the risks and warnings for Lidocaine/menthol patch?

Lidocaine/menthol patch can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Absorbing too much medication

Risk factors: Using heating pad or electric blanket on skin | Applying patch to red, irritated, or broken skin | Leaving patch on for more than 12 hours | Using more patches than recommended

Your body can absorb too much lidocaine over time if you use more patches or leave them on longer than recommended. It might also happen if you apply the patches to broken skin or if you use a heating pad over the patches. Absorbing too much lidocaine is dangerous because it can cause life-threatening side effects. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, or experience twitching or uncontrolled muscle movements in your body, take off your lidocaine/menthol patch and get medical help right away.

Serious allergic reaction to topical pain medications

Don't use lidocaine/menthol patches if you have a history of an allergy to topical pain medications, such as procaine, bupivacaine, or other ‘caine’ medications. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as hives, shortness of breath, swelling of your face, lips, or throat. Please get medical attention right away if you have these signs and symptoms.

Use only on your skin

Lidocaine/menthol patch should only be used on your skin. Don’t put it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears. If you think that your child might have accidentally swallowed this medication, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Risk of serious blood problem (methemoglobinemia)

Risk factors: Young children | Older people with heart or lung problems | History of smoking cigarette | People with low levels of glucose-6-phosphodiesterase (G6PD)

Lidocaine/menthol patches can cause a rare but serious medical condition called methemoglobinemia, which prevents red blood cells from bringing enough oxygen to your body. You can experience methemoglobinemia even if you’re using lidocaine/menthol patch at the recommended dose. If you have one of the risk factors for this condition, please talk with your provider before using lidocaine/menthol patch patches. Please get medical attention right away if you notice signs and symptoms such as gray or blue-colored skin, headache, fast heart beat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and lack of energy.

Lidocaine/menthol patch dosage forms

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
5 patches of 4%/1%	1 carton	$7.35	$7.35

Typical dosing for Lidocaine/menthol patch

Adults and children 12 years and older: The typical dose is to apply 1 patch to the affected area for up to 12 hours in one day. Check the directions on the box for specific instructions.
Children younger than 12 years of age: Ask your child's provider.