Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%)

Manufacturer: Endo Pharmaceuticals

Indication(s):  Chronic nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia) that often follows a case of shingles.

Administration:  Applied topically to the painful areas of the intact skin.

Pharmacology:  The anesthetic is slowly released into the tissue penetrating deeply enough to relieve pain at the damaged nerves without causing substantial numbness or systemic side effects.

WebRx Editorial Notes:  Several patches can be used without worry of significant side effects if needed for a large area.  Patches can be cut to fit.  This is a welcome addition to the available treatments for treating the pain of herpes zoster (shingles).

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