Are Lidoderm patches narcotic?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Are Lidoderm patches narcotic?
No, Lidoderm (Lidocaine) patches are not narcotic and they are not considered controlled substances according to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Lidoderm patches contain Lidocaine, which is a local anaesthetic.
This medication does not cause addiction and it is not used as a drug of abuse. Local anaesthetics like Lidocaine can be used in minor surgeries and can be applied topically to numb the area and relieve pain.
None of the local anaesthetics is considered a controlled substance because they don’t work like them, bind to different receptors, and cause different side effects.
However, local anaesthetics can be paired with narcotics for better pain relief and to enhance the numbing effects of the local anaesthetic. Make sure you properly follow your healthcare provider’s directions if you’re using narcotics concomitantly with Lidocaine.
Basic differences between Lidocaine and narcotics
Lidocaine and narcotics are both used for pain management, but they have some key differences.
Mechanism of action
As stated earlier, Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that works by blocking nerve signals in a specific area, numbing the area and providing pain relief (1,2).
Narcotics, on the other hand, work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, reducing the perception of pain and altering the brain’s response to pain signals (3).
Side effect profile
Lidocaine patches are generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, with minimal systemic side effects. However, local reactions such as skin irritation or allergic reactions may occur (2).
Narcotics have a range of potential side effects, including drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and the potential for sedation or euphoria. They can also cause physical dependence and addiction with long-term use (4).
Tolerability and Addiction Potential
Lidocaine is generally well-tolerated, especially when used in appropriate doses for local anaesthesia. It has a low potential for abuse or addiction.
Narcotics, on the other hand, carry a higher risk of addiction and dependence, particularly when used for extended periods or in high doses. They require careful monitoring and should be used under medical supervision.
Some common examples of Narcotics include:
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Fentanyl
It’s important to note that the use of narcotics should be carefully managed by healthcare professionals, and they should be used as prescribed to minimize the risk of side effects and addiction.
What are the side effects caused by Lidocaine patches?
Lidocaine patches are generally well-tolerated, but there are some potential side effects to be aware of. (2)
Common side effects of Lidocaine patches may include:
- Skin irritation or redness at the application site.
- Itching or rash in the area where the patch is applied.
- Burning or stinging sensation on the skin.
- Numbness or tingling in the treated area.
- Headache or dizziness, although these side effects are rare.
- It’s important to follow the instructions for proper patch application and duration of use.
In some cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to Lidocaine, which can manifest as severe itching, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.
It’s worth noting that Lidocaine patches are generally considered safe when used as directed, but it’s always important to discuss any potential side effects or concerns with your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 3676, Lidocaine; [cited 2023 July 6]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lidocaine
2.-
Beecham GB, Nessel TA, Goyal A. Lidocaine. 2022 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30969703. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881
3.-
Teeple E Jr. Pharmacology and physiology of narcotics. Crit Care Clin. 1990 Apr;6(2):255-82. PMID: 2160852. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2160852/
4.-
Benyamin R, Trescot AM, Datta S, Buenaventura R, Adlaka R, Sehgal N, Glaser SE, Vallejo R. Opioid complications and side effects. Pain Physician. 2008 Mar;11(2 Suppl):S105-20. PMID: 18443635. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18443635/
