What Are Lidocaine Patches and How Are They Used?
Lidocaine patches are used to treat a range of pains and ailments. Here's a guide to how lidocaine patches work, their benefits, and potential side effects.
Salonpas
Used for Pain
Used for Pain
Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to relieve minor muscles and joint pain in adults and children 12 years and older. It's often used for temporary relief of backaches, arthritis, strains and sprains, and bruises. The patch is a local anesthetic that numbs the area where it's applied. You place the patch directly on the skin and can use it 3 to 4 times a day, leaving it on for up to 8 hours at a time. Common side effects include mild skin irritation or redness where the patch is applied.
What is Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas)?
What is Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) used for?
Temporary relief of minor pain due to:
How Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) works
Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) is a local anesthetic, which means it works by numbing the area where it’s applied. It blocks pain signals from the nerves in your skin so they don’t reach your brain. This helps relieve pain in a specific spot without affecting the rest of your body.
When does Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Salonpas |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Local anesthetic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
More on Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) essentials
Side effects of Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas)
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
- Rash
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Redness
Less Common Side Effects
- Pain
- Swelling
- Blistering
Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Blood problems (methemoglobinemia): pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, headache, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, tiredness, seizures, coma
- Too much lidocaine: numbness around the mouth, tingling in the tongue, dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision
- Serious allergic reactions: Swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, trouble speaking, throat tightening up, red and itchy rash, lightheadedness, clammy skin
When do Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Skin irritation
Itching
Redness
Blistering
The following Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) 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):
- Change in skin color
- Irritation at application site
Get your GoodRx coupon
$15.67
GoodRx discount
$8.83
Pros and cons of Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas)
Pros
- Available over the counter
- Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
- Can use up to 3 to 4 times a day
Cons
- Can only use 1 patch at a time
- Commonly causes skin irritation, rash, itchiness, and redness
- Not recommended for use in children under 12 years old
Pharmacist tips for Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas)
- Always wash your hands after applying lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas). This removes any medication that might have gotten on your fingers. Don’t touch your eyes before washing your hands since lidocaine can cause painful burning or irritation if it gets in your eyes.
- Apply lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) only to clean, dry, and healthy skin. Don’t use it on cuts, scrapes, or broken skin.
- Don't use heat sources over lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas), like heating pads or electric blankets. Heat can make your body absorb too much lidocaine, which can cause serious side effects.
- Avoid using other products with lidocaine (like prescription patches or creams, ointments, and gels) while using lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) at the same time. Using multiple lidocaine products together can raise your risk of side effects. Talk to your pharmacist if you’re unsure what contains lidocaine.
- Stop using lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) and talk with a healthcare professional if you’ve used it for more than a week or if symptoms come back after they’ve gone away. Also let them know if you have rash, itching, redness, irritation, swelling, or blistering where you applied the patch.
- Throw away each lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) after one use. Fold it in half with the sticky sides together before tossing it. This helps prevent kids or pets from touching or chewing on the used patch, which could still contain medication.
- Store lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) safely out of children’s reach and sight. This keeps them from accidentally chewing or touching the patch. If you think a child might have had contact with a patch, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if you’re not sure.
Risks and warnings for Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas)
Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) 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.
Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
- *Risk factors: History of methemoglobinemia | History of low glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) | Heart or lung problems | Age 6 months or younger | Exposure to other oxidizing agents, such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide | Taking other medications that raise the risk for methemoglobinemia *
While rare, local anesthetics like lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) can cause methemoglobinemia, a serious blood problem where your red blood cells can't carry enough oxygen throughout your body. The risk is higher in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a history of methemoglobinemia, heart or lung problems, and in infants under 6 months. Be careful using lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) patches if you're around oxidizing chemicals like chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, which might be present in cleaning supplies or hair dye.
Symptoms can show up right away or a few hours later, and can include gray, blue, or pale-colored skin. If not treated quickly, methemoglobinemia can lead to seizures, irregular heartbeat, coma, or even death. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop using lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) and get emergency medical help right away.
Absorbing too much medication
- Risk factors: Using heating pad or electric blanket on skin | Applying the patch to red, irritated, or broken skin | Leaving the patch on for more than 12 hours | Using more patches than recommended | Liver problems | Kidney problems
Your body can absorb too much lidocaine from lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) if you use more patches than recommended or leave them on too long. This can also happen if you put the patches on broken skin or use a heating pad over them. Absorbing too much lidocaine is dangerous and can cause serious side effects. If you notice numbness around your mouth, tingling in your tongue, dizziness, ringing in your ears, or blurred vision, remove the patch and get medical help immediately.
Accidental poisoning in children or pets
- Risk factors: Not storing or throwing away lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) patches correctly
When you’re done using a lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas), fold it in half with the sticky sides together before throwing it away. This helps keep the medication from getting on a child or pet if they find it. Even a used patch can still contain a lot of lidocaine, and if a child or pet chews or swallows it, it could cause serious harm. Always store and throw the patches away safely and out of reach. If you think a child or pet has chewed or eaten a patch, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 6 patches of 4% of Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) is $8.83 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 43.65% off the average retail price of $15.67. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 patches of 4% | 1 carton | $8.83 | $8.83 |
| 15 patches of 4% | 2 cartons | $26.16 | $13.08 |
Typical dosage for Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas)
- Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is to apply 1 patch to the affected area of skin, no more than 3 to 4 times a day for up to 8 hours each time. Check the directions on the box for specific instructions.
- Children under 12 years old: Ask your child's pediatrician.
How much does Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Salonpas (brand)
$8.83
What are alternatives to Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Lidocaine 4% patch (Salonpas). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Used for:
Relief of minor aches and pains in the muscles and joints caused by:
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