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Lidocaine for pain relief

Use Icy Hot® with lidocaine for fast and effective pain relief. It works quickly to ease pain with a powerful numbing formulation containing 4% lidocaine.

Lidocaine No-Mess Roll On

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  • No-Mess
  • Lidocaine
  • Roll On
  • Back Pain Relief

The quick-drying, no-mess applicator helps you relieve muscle and joint pain anytime, anywhere.

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Lidocaine Dry Spray

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  • Lidocaine
  • Spray

Numbing pain relief that sprays at any angle and dries fast, so you don’t have to worry about any dripping or a mess.

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Lidocaine Cream

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  • Lidocaine
  • Cream

This fast-absorbing cream numbs away pain for relief that lasts.

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Max Lidocaine Patch

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  • HSA/FSA
  • Lidocaine
  • Patch

Numbing pain relief made with a comfortable fabric that stays in place.

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FAQs about lidocaine for pain relief

What is lidocaine?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is commonly used in topical numbing products to help relieve pain.1

How does lidocaine work?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is used for numbing pain. It works by blocking the electrical impulses that carry pain signals through the nerves to the brain.1

How long does lidocaine last for?

The length of time the effects of lidocaine last for depend on various factors, including the method of application, the strength used, and the body part it is administered to. It can be applied every 6 to 8 hours, not more than 3 to 4 times daily.2

How long does it take for lidocaine to start working?

Topical lidocaine products work quickly, often within minutes, depending on the area of the body it is applied to, the method of application, and the strength of the product.2

Does lidocaine make you sleepy?

When used as directed, topical lidocaine shouldn’t make you feel sleepy.1

Is lidocaine an NSAID?

Lidocaine is not an NSAID. It is a local anesthetic.

Can I buy lidocaine over the counter?

Topical lidocaine medicines are available over the counter in strengths up to 4%. A prescription is needed for stronger lidocaine products.

Is it safe to use lidocaine during pregnancy?

As with any drug product, if pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.1

Is lidocaine or menthol better for pain relief?

Menthol is not an anesthetic, it is a counterirritant that works by creating cooling and warming sensations to soothe the area and distract from underlying pain. Menthol works well for soothing aching muscles, while lidocaine is a numbing agent that provides numbing relief from pain.3

  1. 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
  2. National Health Service (NHS). Lidocaine skin cream [Internet]. London: NHS; 2022 Aug 30 [cited 2026 May 19]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lidocaine-skin-cream
  3. Eccles R. The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products [Internet]. J Clin Pharmacol Ther Rev; 2018 [cited 2026 Feb 4]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29524352