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Lidoderm vs. Pennsaid

Are Lidoderm and Pennsaid the Same Thing?

Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%) and Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium topical solution) are used to relieve different types of pain.

Lidoderm is used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).

Pennsaid is used to treat signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s).

Lidoderm and Pennsaid belong to different drug classes. Lidoderm is a local anesthetic and Pennsaid is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

What Are Possible Side Effects of Lidoderm?

Common side effects of Lidoderm include:

  • irritation,
  • redness,
  • swelling,
  • blisters,
  • numbness, or
  • changes in skin color at the site of application.

Contact your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Lidoderm including

  • irregular heartbeats,
  • drowsiness,
  • confusion, tremors,
  • seizures (convulsions), or
  • blurred vision.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Pennsaid?

Common side effects of Pennsaid include:

What is Lidoderm?

Lidoderm (lidocaine patch 5%) is a local anesthetic used to relieve nerve pain after shingles (infection with the herpes zoster virus). This type of pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia.

What is Pennsaid?

Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium topical solution) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee(s).

What Drugs Interact With Lidoderm?

Lidoderm may interact with anti-arrhythmic drugs or other local anesthetic products.

What Drugs Interact With Pennsaid?

Pennsaid may interact with anti-platelet drugs, blood thinners, cidofovir, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, desmopressin, digoxin, high blood pressure drugs, lithium, methotrexate, probenecid, SSRI antidepressants, and diuretics (water pills).

How Should Lidoderm Be Taken?

Apply Lidoderm to intact skin to cover the most painful area. Apply up to three patches, only once for up to 12 hours within a 24-hour period.

How Should Pennsaid Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Pennsaid is 40 drops per knee, 4 times a day, applied to clean, dry skin.

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