Strong pain relief
When you need strong pain relief, try Icy Hot® with Lidocaine. It contains 4% lidocaine, the highest concentration available over-the-counter, for the indicated uses, to numb pain fast.
PRO Massaging Balm
- HSA/FSA
- PRO
- No-Mess
- Balm
- Menthol
- Back Pain Relief
Icy Hot® PRO Pain Relief Massaging Balm delivers fast, targeted relief with two maximum-strength ingredients that work on more pain points.**
PRO No Mess
- PRO
- No-Mess
- Roll On
- Menthol
- Back Pain Relief
Get fast-acting, next-level pain relief** with Icy Hot® PRO No-Mess.
PRO Dry Spray
- PRO
- Spray
- Menthol
- Back Pain Relief
Get PRO-level pain relief with a formula that dries quickly, works at any angle, and relieves achy muscles and joints.
Advanced Cream
- Advanced
- Cream
- Menthol
- Back Pain Relief
Powerful, fast-acting pain relief through targeted therapy. It includes two maximum-strength pain relievers that work on more pain points**.
Pro Patch
- PRO
- Patch
- Menthol
- Back Pain Relief
Targeted relief, no mess, all performance. The PRO Pain Relief Patch sticks where it hurts, delivering fast-acting, next-level relief** for sore muscles and joints.
FAQs about strong pain relief
What is strong topical pain relief?
Strong topical OTC pain relief products use a range of active ingredients; one of them is lidocaine.1 4% is the maximum lidocaine strength available over the counter for the indicated Use(s). It is often found in products including pain patches, creams, sprays, and gels. Products containing 5% topical lidocaine are available with a prescription.2 Icy Hot® with Lidocaine provides maximum strength, numbing pain relief for the indicated Use(s).
Is strong pain relief okay to use while pregnant?
For strong pain relief products, always follow the information on the product label for use during pregnancy, and talk to a doctor before using the product if you have questions while pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to choose the right strength of topical pain relief?
Choosing the right strength of topical pain relief depends on your symptoms. You can talk to a pharmacist for more advice about which products and product strengths suit you best. The maximum lidocaine strength available over the counter for the indicated Use(s) is 4%—you’ll need to consult a doctor to request a prescription for stronger concentrations. There are also a range of formats for delivering lidocaine, with Icy Hot® offering a spray, roll on, and patch to give you options specifically for your needs.
Can I buy strong pain relief products over the counter?
Some types of strong pain relief products are available over the counter. For example, pain relief patches with lidocaine containing 4%, the maximum OTC strength.2 Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on what kind of pain relief medication is most suitable for your needs.
How does strong topical pain relief work?
Effective topical pain relief products are absorbed by the skin in the area where they are needed, providing targeted treatment in one area, rather than treating the whole body with a pill.1 Topical lidocaine is a local anesthetic that numbs pain by blocking the electrical impulses that carry pain signals through the nerves to the brain.3
How should I use or apply strong pain relievers?
Always apply strong topical pain relief products as directed. You can check the product label to better understand how it works, any warnings/considerations that may apply to you, and the directions for use. You can also ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about a product or ingredient.
How long does it take for strong pain relief to start working?
The time it takes for strong pain relief to work will vary between products. Many strong topical pain relief products that contain lidocaine start to work within minutes. Icy Hot® with Lidocaine provides fast-acting, powerful pain relief.
Note: Use all products only as directed. Icy Hot® products containing counterirritants are indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with: arthritis, simple backache, strains, sprains, bruises. Icy Hot® products containing Lidocaine are indicated for the temporary relief of pain. For questions about your specific situation, talk to your healthcare provider for further advice.
Sources
- Harvard Health Publishing. Topical painkillers for sprains and strains [Internet]. Boston (MA): Harvard Medical School; 2025 Jul 1 [cited 2026 May 27]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/topical-painkillers-for-sprains-and-strains
- National Library of Medicine. Lidocaine transdermal patch [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine; 2021 Jun 15 [cited 2026 Sep 22]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603026.html
- Rosenberg PB, Katz RL. Lidocaine: mechanism of action as a local anaesthetic and cellular effects [Internet]. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2026 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881