Lidoderm Side Effects, and Drug Interactions - Lidocaine Patch

Lidoderm Side Effects, and Drug Interactions - Lidocaine Patch

SIDE EFFECTS

Localized Reactions

During or immediately after treatment with LIDODERM (lidocaine patch 5%), the skin at the site of treatment may develop erythema or edema or may be the locus of abnormal sensation. These reactions are generally mild and transient, resolving spontaneously within a few minutes to hours. In clinical studies with the Lidoderm^® patch, there were no serious reactions reported. One out of 150 subjects in a three-week study was discontinued from treatment because of a skin reaction (erythema and hives).

Allergic Reactions

Allergic and anaphylactoid reactions associated with lidocaine, although rare, can occur.  They are characterized by urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, and shock.  If they occur, they should be managed by conventional means . The detection of sensitivity by skin testing is of doubtful value.

Systemic (Dose-Related) Reactions

Systemic adverse reactions following appropriate use of the Lidoderm^® patch are unlikely, due to the small dose absorbed (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Pharmacokinetics).  Systemic adverse effects of lidocaine are similar in nature to those observed with other amide local anesthetic agents, including CNS excitation and/or depression (light-headedness, nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, tinnitus, blurred or double vision, vomiting, sensations of heat, cold or numbness, twitching, tremors, convulsions, unconsciousness, respiratory depression and arrest).  Excitatory CNS reactions may be brief or not occur at all, in which case the first manifestation may be drowsiness merging into unconsciousness. Cardiovascular manifestations may include bradycardia, hypotension and cardiovascular collapse leading to arrest.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: the Lidoderm^® patch should be used with caution in patients receiving Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as tocainide and mexiletine) since the toxic effects are additive and potentially synergistic.

Local Anesthetics: When the Lidoderm^® patch is used concomitantly with other products containing local anesthetic agents, the amount absorbed from all formulations must be considered.