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What Is Lidocaine? And How Does It Relieve Pain?

When it comes to topical pain relief, lidocaine stands out as a fast and effective over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief ingredient.1  Whether you're dealing with a minor cut or scrape or need to tackle everyday aches and pains, lidocaine provides targeted pain relief where you need it most.

On This page, You’ll Learn About:

What Is Lidocaine?

First off, what is lidocaine? It’s a local anesthetic that’s popular for its ability to numb targeted areas and provide fast-acting pain relief.2 It's the same pain relief ingredient doctors use to keep you comfortable during minor procedures, but it's also available in various OTC products, such as Aspercreme® Pain Relief Cream With Lidocaine

Lidocaine is useful for everyday pain, minor cuts and scrapes.

How Lidocaine Treats Pain

Lidocaine works by temporarily blocking the path of your nerves’ pain signals to your brain, that way, you’re numb to the pain caused by your injuries, everyday pain, or painful conditions.3 

But lidocaine doesn't just relieve pain like other topical ingredients. It penetrates your skin and targets the source of your pain4, providing effective relief. Plus, it works quickly – most people feel relief quickly after applying it.1

How Long Does It Take For Lidocaine To Kick In?

You might be wondering “How long does lidocaine last?” The good news is that lidocaine is fast-acting. Once you apply it, you should begin feeling relief pretty quickly.4

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What Is Lidocaine Used For?

Lidocaine is pretty versatile when it comes to managing pain. From minor cuts and scrapes to everyday pain, lidocaine is there to help.

Lidocaine is used to relieve pain in lots of areas, including your: 

  Arms
  Foot
  Neck
  Back
  Shoulders
  Legs

Does Lidocaine Have Any Side Effects?

You might be wondering if lidocaine has any side effects. The great news is that it’s suitable for most people and is unlikely to cause any serious effects. However, there are a few things to watch out for.

It causes mild reactions in some people, such as skin irritation, redness, or even swelling.  Don’t worry though – these are usually temporary and will go away on their own after a few minutes. If stinging and burning sensations last or intensify, you’ll want to notify your pharmacist or healthcare provider.* Use as directed.

If you have any concerns or questions about possible side effects, chat with your healthcare provider.

Why Choose Lidocaine?

Now that you know the answers to what lidocaine is, how long it lasts, and what it's used for, you might be asking yourself: why should you seek out lidocaine over other pain relief ingredients?

Lidocaine targets pain at the source, providing fast, localized relief exactly where you need it. Unlike systemic pain relievers, which work throughout the entire body, lidocaine acts directly on the affected area.

*Use as directed

Aspercreme pain relief products with lidocaine are lined up on a countertop

Find the Right Lidocaine For You

Aspercreme® lidocaine products don’t just come in one shape or size. Whether you need on-the-go pain relief or you prefer a hands-on approach with creams and roll-ons, we have a lidocaine product that works for you.

Aspercreme® Lidocaine Pain Relief Patch

  On-the-go relief
  Soothes aggravated nerves

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Aspercreme® Lidocaine Pain Relief Dry Spray

  Quick and mess-free
  Maximum strength formula**

**Among OTC topical analgesics for intended Use(s)

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Aspercreme® Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream With Eucalyptus Essential Oil***

  Fast-acting pain relief 
  Infused with eucalyptus essential oil

*** Use as directed

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References

1. “Common questions about lidocaine skin cream.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lidocaine-skin-cream/common-questions-about-lidocaine-skin-cream/. Accessed 4 April 2024.


2. Beecham GB, Nessel TA, Goyal A. Lidocaine. [Updated 2022 Dec 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881/Accessed March 20, 2024.


3. Yang X, Wei X, Mu Y, Li Q, Liu J. A review of the mechanism of the central analgesic effect of lidocaine. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Apr;99(17):e19898. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019898. PMID: 32332666; PMCID: PMC7440315.


4. Golzari SE, Soleimanpour H, Mahmoodpoor A, Safari S, Ala A. Lidocaine and pain management in the emergency department: a review article. Anesth Pain Med. 2014 Feb 15;4(1):e15444. doi: 10.5812/aapm.15444. PMID: 24660158; PMCID: PMC3961016.


5. Solan, Matthew. “Stuck in a brain fog? Look in your medicine cabinet.” Harvard Health, 1 October 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/stuck-in-a-brain-fog-look-in-your-medicine-cabinet. Accessed 4 April 2024.