What Is Lidocaine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Lidocaine is one of the oldest, most essential, and most versatile medications in modern medicine. You've probably encountered it without even realizing it — at the dentist, in an emergency room, or in an over-the-counter topical cream. But what exactly is lidocaine, what does it do, and how does it come in so many different forms?

This comprehensive patient guide covers everything you need to know about lidocaine in 2026.

What Is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic and Class Ib antiarrhythmic drug. It was first synthesized in 1943 by Swedish chemist Nils Löfgren and received FDA approval for use in the United States in 1948. It quickly became the gold standard local anesthetic due to its rapid onset, favorable safety profile, and versatility.

It belongs to the amide class of local anesthetics, which means it is metabolized by the liver (unlike ester anesthetics like benzocaine, which are metabolized in the blood). This makes it less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to ester-type anesthetics.

What Is Lidocaine Used For?

Lidocaine has a wide range of FDA-approved uses:

• Local and regional anesthesia: Injected by dentists, surgeons, and anesthesiologists to numb a specific area before procedures. It typically begins working within 4 minutes and lasts 30 minutes to 3 hours.
• Postherpetic neuralgia (shingles nerve pain): Lidocaine 5% transdermal patches (Lidoderm and generics) are FDA-approved for the relief of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia.
• Cardiac arrhythmias (intravenous): IV lidocaine is used in hospitals and emergency settings for ventricular arrhythmias when amiodarone is unavailable or contraindicated.
• Topical numbing: Gels, creams, and patches for skin procedures, urethral catheterization, sore throat/mouth pain, and intubation lubrication.
• Off-label uses: IV lidocaine infusions for chronic pain and fibromyalgia; topical preparations for premature ejaculation.

What Forms Does Lidocaine Come In?

Lidocaine comes in more forms than almost any other medication:

• Injectable solutions: 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% concentrations for local/regional anesthesia, epidurals, nerve blocks, and IV cardiac use.
• Transdermal patches: Lidoderm 5% patch (Rx), ZTLido 1.8% hydrogel patch (Rx), and OTC 4% patches.
• Topical gels and jelly: Lidocaine 2% jelly (Glydo, Xylocaine Jelly) for urethral procedures, catheterization, and intubation.
• Viscous solutions: Lidocaine viscous 2% for mouth/throat numbing (also ingredient in "magic mouthwash").
• Topical creams: LMX 4 (4%) and LMX 5 (5%) for skin numbing before procedures. Also EMLA cream (lidocaine 2.5% + prilocaine 2.5%) for numbing skin before IV placement or minor procedures.

How Long Does Lidocaine Last?

The duration depends on the formulation and route:

• Injectable (local anesthesia): 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on dose, site, and whether epinephrine is used (epinephrine prolongs duration).
• Topical patch (5%): Applied for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period; provides ongoing relief for postherpetic neuralgia during wear time.
• Topical creams and gels: 20–60 minutes of numbing depending on concentration and application site.

Brand Names for Lidocaine

Lidocaine is available generically and under many brand names. Common ones include:

• Xylocaine (injectable)
• Lidoderm (5% transdermal patch)
• ZTLido (1.8% hydrogel patch)
• Glydo (2% jelly)
• LMX 4 / LMX 5 (topical creams)
• EMLA (lidocaine 2.5% + prilocaine 2.5% cream)

Finding Lidocaine Near You in 2026

With lidocaine still in active shortage for some formulations in 2026, finding it at a local pharmacy can be challenging. medfinder is a paid service that contacts pharmacies near you to check which ones can fill your prescription. Learn why lidocaine is hard to find and what's being done about it.