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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is lidocaine patch safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMatt Stahl· PharmDDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about lidocaine patch during pregnancy?

  1. One study of 293 women exposed to lidocaine during the first four months of pregnancy did not find a higher chance of birth defects, and animal studies do not suggest a meaningful increase either. 1
  2. Lidocaine is found in some over-the-counter pain creams and patches and is also injected for medical and dental procedures, so the same ingredient shows up at very different strengths. 1
  3. FDA warns that lidocaine applied over large areas of skin, on irritated or broken skin, for long periods, or under a covering can cause serious injury including irregular heartbeat, seizures, and breathing difficulty. 2
  4. Products sold online and in stores have been found carrying lidocaine at concentrations higher than what is permitted for over-the-counter topical use, which is one reason the label strength is worth checking. 2
  5. Some patches marketed for muscle and joint pain use a salicylate rather than lidocaine, and FDA advises avoiding NSAIDs at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later, so reading the Drug Facts panel changes the answer. 3

Is lidocaine patch safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. One study of women exposed to lidocaine in the first four months of pregnancy did not find a higher chance of birth defects. That is a modest but real body of evidence, better than what exists for most topical pain products. Confirm the concentration on your box with your clinician.
  • Second trimester. Back and hip pain often show up here, and a patch is appealing precisely because it stays local. Watch the wear time on the label rather than layering patches. Some patches sold under familiar brand names contain a salicylate instead of lidocaine, so read the active ingredient line.
  • Third trimester. Skin gets more sensitive and back pain gets louder, so the temptation is to use more. Absorption climbs when a product covers a large area, sits on irritated skin, stays on a long time, or is wrapped. Ask your provider what wear time and how many patches per day fit your situation.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use a lidocaine patch while pregnant?

Many clinicians are comfortable with occasional use on a small area, since the available human data has not shown a higher chance of birth defects. Regular daily use is a separate conversation. Bring the box strength and your wear time to your provider.

How much lidocaine from a patch gets to the baby?

The honest answer is that it depends on the strength, how much skin it covers, how long it stays on, and whether the skin is intact. Those variables are exactly why clinicians ask about your specific use rather than the product in general.

Are Salonpas patches safe during pregnancy?

It depends on which one. Some patches under that name use lidocaine and others use a salicylate, which is an NSAID. FDA advises avoiding NSAIDs from 20 weeks onward, so the active ingredient line decides the answer.

Can I use a lidocaine patch for back pain in the third trimester?

Third-trimester back pain is one of the most common reasons people ask. A patch keeps the medicine local, which is part of the appeal, but skin is more sensitive late in pregnancy. Ask your ob-gyn about wear time and how many per day.

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References

  1. Lidocaine: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/lidocaine/

  2. FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Certain Topical Pain Relief Products Due to Potential for Dangerous Health Effects

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-consumers-avoid-certain-topical-pain-relief-products-due-potential-dangerous-health

  3. FDA Recommends Avoiding Use of NSAIDs in Pregnancy at 20 Weeks or Later Because They Can Result in Low Amniotic Fluid

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-recommends-avoiding-use-nsaids-pregnancy-20-weeks-or-later-because-they-can-result-low-amniotic

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.