Lidocaine
Lidoderm is a topical prescription medication containing lidocaine, a local anesthetic. It is specifically approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia, which is the nerve pain that can occur after a shingles infection. The medication is applied directly to the skin as a patch to provide localized pain relief.
Lidoderm is a lidocaine patch used to relieve nerve pain following shingles.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 261555
- Generic
- Lidoderm
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Lidoderm is indicated for the relief of pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), commonly known as nerve pain that follows an outbreak of shingles (herpes zoster).
Lidoderm contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic that works by blocking sodium channels in nerve endings, thereby stabilizing neuronal membranes and reducing the transmission of pain signals in the targeted area.
Lidoderm should only be applied to intact, dry skin and not on open wounds or broken skin. Patients should avoid using heat sources (such as heating pads) on the treated area. The patches should not be worn for more than 12 hours within a 24-hour period. Side effects may include skin irritation, redness, or rash at the application site. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any heart conditions or allergies to lidamide or other anesthetics before use.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy