Tag: 5 lidocaine

Lidocaine patches are a widely used solution for localized pain relief. But a common question arises for consumers seeking maximum strength: are 5% lidocaine patches available over the counter? The answer is no; they are a prescription-only medication [1.2.1, 1.4.4].

Prescription 5% lidocaine patches, such as Lidoderm, are specifically approved for treating the pain of postherpetic neuralgia. The standard wear time is for a maximum of 12 hours within any 24-hour period, with an equal 12-hour patch-free period to prevent potential systemic side effects. Knowing how long is a 5% lidocaine patch effective is crucial for safe and optimal pain management.