Medication Information Leaflet
Lidocaine in the form of plaster, is used to relieve pain (for example, nerve pain) caused by shingles. It relieves pain by stopping the nerves from sending pain signals.
Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional
Apply the plaster to the painful area only. You may wear the plaster for up to 12 hours continuously per day. After removing the plaster, wait at least another 12 hours before applying another plaster if needed.
Do not use more than 3 plasters at the same time. Follow the instructions on the medication label to know the number of plasters needed for effective treatment
Plaster may be cut into smaller sizes before removing the release liner
Plaster must be applied to the skin immediately after it is taken out of the sachet and the release liner is removed from the gel surface
The plaster must be applied to unbroken, dry, non-irritated skin (after healing of the shingles)
Hairs in the affected area must be cut off with a pair of scissors, not shaved
Avoid exposing application site to external heat sources (eg heating pad, electric blanket) as this may increase the medication levels
The plaster must not be applied to inflamed or injured skin such as active shingle areas, red and itchy skin or on open wounds
The plaster should not be applied to mucous membranes such as the mouth and eye
Wash your hands after handling the patch
If you forget to apply, apply as soon as you remember. Then apply your next dose at the usual time. Do not apply two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
You have a medical condition such as heart, kidney or liver disease, G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) deficiency, atopic dermatitis (red and itchy skin condition)
Mild and temporary irritation at the application site (for example redness, itching)
Remove immediately if burning sensation or irritation occurs
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
Difficulty in breathing
Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately
Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.
After opening the medication sachet, the plasters must be used within 14 days. Throw away any remaining plasters after 14 days.
Used plasters still contain active substances and they should be folded into half, with the sticky side inwards so that the sticky layer is not exposed and the plaster should be thrown away
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Jul 2022
This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, October 18, 2022