--- title: "Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream — Evidence,… | Magellan" description: "Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream — Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amino-amide class that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html" type: "product" section: "Topical Pain Relief" evidence_grade: "Moderate evidence" evidence_tier: "moderate" citations: 22 product_id: 214 price_usd: 13 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" license: "Educational content — not medical advice" --- # Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Topical Pain Relief](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/7.md) › Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/product/214 ## Key facts | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Product | Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream | | Category | [Topical Pain Relief](https://magellanlongevity.com/c/7.md) | | Evidence grade | Moderate evidence (B) | | Peer-reviewed citations | 22 | | Typical listed price | $13.00 (check the live price) | | Where to buy | [Search Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Aspercreme%204%25%20Lidocaine%20Pain%20Relief%20Cream&tag=magellanlong-20) | | Catalog ID | 214 | ## What it is Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amino-amide class that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels on sensory nerve fibers, preventing the initiation and conduction of pain signals. Applied to intact skin as a cream, gel, or medicated patch, it acts locally at the site of application with limited absorption into the bloodstream. It is available over the counter in lower-strength formulations (such as 4% creams and patches) and by prescription as a 5% medicated patch used mainly for postherpetic neuralgia. ## Its role in longevity The best-supported use of topical lidocaine is localized neuropathic pain, especially postherpetic neuralgia, where guidelines and reviews position the 5% medicated plaster as a first- or second-line option that appears comparable to systemic pregabalin with far fewer systemic side effects, owing to its low absorption. This makes it attractive for older or medically complex patients, though rigorous analyses caution that high-quality randomized evidence is limited and average effect sizes are modest. Evidence beyond nerve pain is thinner but not absent: a double-blind trial found an over-the-counter-strength lidocaine patch non-inferior to the prescription 5% patch and superior to placebo for back pain and arthritis, the 5% patch compared favorably with celecoxib for knee osteoarthritis in another trial, and a 2024 meta-analysis supports benefit in post-surgical neuropathic pain. US regulators have also warned against illegally high-strength numbing products sold online — a reason to stay within labeled doses. This evidence describes topical lidocaine as a compound and mechanism, not this specific commercial product. ## Evidence grade: Moderate evidence - **What the grade means:** Curated grade based on the human and mechanistic evidence for this compound. - **Dose used in studies:** 4% OTC cream/patch to a small area up to 3–4×/day (the 5% patch is prescription) - **What this grade does not say:** Best for small, well-localised pain — the strongest evidence is the 5% patch for shingles nerve pain, though one trial found an OTC-strength patch comparable. Cochrane notes high-quality RCTs are limited, and relief is purely symptomatic. Don’t exceed the labelled area or frequency, and avoid unregulated high-strength numbing products sold online. ## In the news - **Lidocaine Patches** — Cleveland Clinic 2026 [Read it](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19252-lidocaine-dermal-patch) > It works by numbing a specific area of the body, which blocks pain signals going to the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called local anesthetics. - **Lidocaine (topical application route)** — Mayo Clinic 2026 [Read it](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/lidocaine-topical-application-route/description/drg-20072776) > Lidocaine belongs to the family of medicines called local anesthetics. This medicine prevents pain by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin. - **Lidocaine Transdermal Patch** — MedlinePlus (NIH) 2021 [Read it](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603026.html) > Lidocaine is in a class of medications called local anesthetics. It works by stopping nerves from sending pain signals. ## The research Peer-reviewed studies on the active compound. Quotes are verbatim from the cited abstract. Research describes the active mechanism and is not a claim about this specific product. ### Cited studies 1. **Review of lidocaine patch 5% studies in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia** Drugs 2004 · [PMID 15101784](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15101784/) · [DOI 10.2165/00003495-200464090-00002](https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200464090-00002) > In patients with PHN, the lidocaine patch 5% has demonstrated relief of pain and tactile allodynia with a minimal risk of systemic adverse effects... recommended as a first-line therapy. 2. **Topical lidocaine for neuropathic pain in adults** Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014 · [PMID 25058164](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25058164/) · [DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD010958.pub2](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010958.pub2) > In all but one study, evidence indicated that lidocaine was better than placebo for some measure of pain relief. Clinical experience also supports efficacy in some patients. 3. **Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of lidocaine 700 mg medicated plaster vs. pregabalin.** Curr Med Res Opin 2019 · [PMID 31469302](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31469302/) · [DOI 10.1080/03007995.2019.1662687](https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2019.1662687) > LMP was found to be similar to pregabalin in reducing pain in all populations but had a better adverse events profile. 4. **Pharmacotherapy and non-invasive neuromodulation for neuropathic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.** Lancet Neurol 2025 · [PMID 40252663](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40252663/) · [DOI 10.1016/S1474-4422(25)00068-7](https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422%2825%2900068-7) > a weak recommendation for capsaicin 8% patches, capsaicin cream, and lidocaine 5% plasters as second-line recommendation 5. **Topical analgesics for acute and chronic pain in adults - an overview of Cochrane Reviews.** Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 · [PMID 28497473](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28497473/) · [DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008609.pub2) > In chronic musculoskeletal conditions with assessments over 6 to 12 weeks, topical diclofenac and ketoprofen had limited efficacy in hand and knee osteoarthritis, as did topical high-concentration capsaicin in postherpetic neuralgia. 6. **EFNS guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain: 2010 revision.** Eur J Neurol 2010 · [PMID 20402746](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20402746/) · [DOI 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.02999.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.02999.x) > with level A evidence in support of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), pregabalin, gabapentin, tramadol and opioids (in various conditions), duloxetine, venlafaxine, topical lidocaine and capsaicin patches (in restricted conditions). 7. **Topical Lidocaine for Chronic Pain Treatment.** Drug Des Devel Ther 2021 · [PMID 34616143](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34616143/) · [DOI 10.2147/DDDT.S328228](https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S328228) > Topical lidocaine has been approved by health authorities for the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia in a number of countries, and studies present some degree of evidence of its efficacy and safety in postsurgical pain, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic lower back pain and osteoarthritis. 8. **The topical 5% lidocaine medicated plaster in localized neuropathic pain: a reappraisal of the clinical evidence** J Pain Res 2016 · [PMID 26929664](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26929664/) · [DOI 10.2147/JPR.S99231](https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S99231) > The 5% lidocaine medicated plaster effectively provides pain relief in postherpetic neuralgia… as effective as systemic pregabalin… but with an improved tolerability profile. 9. **Topical pain management with the 5% lidocaine medicated plaster--a review.** Curr Med Res Opin 2012 · [PMID 22551228](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22551228/) · [DOI 10.1185/03007995.2012.690339](https://doi.org/10.1185/03007995.2012.690339) > The risk of systemic adverse events and pharmacokinetic interactions with concomitant medication is minimal owing to low systemic exposure. 10. **Lidocaine 5% medicated plaster: a review of its use in postherpetic neuralgia.** Drugs 2009 · [PMID 19791831](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19791831/) · [DOI 10.2165/11203220-000000000-00000](https://doi.org/10.2165/11203220-000000000-00000) > The lidocaine 5% medicated plaster has a direct local action with low systemic exposure and is effective in the treatment of patients with PHN. 11. **5% Lidocaine Medicated Plaster for the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Review of the Clinical Safety and Tolerability.** Pain Ther 2015 · [PMID 25896574](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25896574/) · [DOI 10.1007/s40122-015-0034-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-015-0034-x) > The 5% lidocaine medicated plaster demonstrated good short- and long-term tolerability with low systemic uptake (3 ± 2%) and minimal risk for systemic adverse drug reactions (ADRs). 12. **5% lidocaine medicated plaster in elderly patients with postherpetic neuralgia: results of a compassionate use programme in France.** Drugs Aging 2011 · [PMID 21913735](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21913735/) · [DOI 10.2165/11595600-000000000-00000](https://doi.org/10.2165/11595600-000000000-00000) > Lidocaine plaster treatment resulted in a significant mean reduction of one concomitant PHN treatment per patient in the overall efficacy population analysed at the end of the observation (p < 0.001). 13. **Lidocaine 5%-medicated plaster (Versatis) for localised neuropathic pain: results of a multicentre evaluation of use in children and adolescents.** Br J Pain 2018 · [PMID 30057764](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30057764/) · [DOI 10.1177/2049463718756431](https://doi.org/10.1177/2049463718756431) > Benefit was recorded for 79 patients (69%); 32 patients were recorded as receiving no benefit and data were unavailable for 4 patients, and 7 patients reported minor skin reactions. 14. **Topical lidocaine patch therapy for myofascial pain.** J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2004 · [PMID 15364629](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15364629/) > Mean improvements for average pain intensity (7, 14, and 28 days), general activity (7 and 28 days), mood and sleep (7, 14, and 28 days), walking (14 and 28 days), and ability to work, relationships, and enjoyment of life (28 days) were significant (P < 0.05). 15. **Conclusions: chronic pain studies of lidocaine patch 5% using the Neuropathic Pain Scale.** Curr Med Res Opin 2004 · [PMID 15563744](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15563744/) · [DOI 10.1185/030079904X12979](https://doi.org/10.1185/030079904X12979) > Significant reduction in the intensity of commonly reported pain qualities in patients with neuropathic and non-neuropathic chronic pain due to low-back pain, osteoarthritis, post-herpetic neuralgia, and painful diabetic neuropathy were achieved. 16. **Topical therapies in the management of chronic pain.** Postgrad Med 2013 · [PMID 24547601](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24547601/) · [DOI 10.1080/00325481.2013.1110567111](https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2013.1110567111) > In patients with neuropathic pain, topical forms of both capsaicin and lidocaine have been shown to be useful in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. 17. **Comprehensive Review of Topical Analgesics for Chronic Pain.** Curr Pain Headache Rep 2021 · [PMID 33534003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33534003/) · [DOI 10.1007/s11916-020-00923-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-020-00923-2) > There is evidence to support the use of topical NSAIDs, high concentration topical capsaicin, and topical lidocaine for various painful conditions. 18. **Risk of systemic toxicity with topical lidocaine/prilocaine: a review.** J Drugs Dermatol 2014 · [PMID 25226014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25226014/) > All 12 clinical trials evaluating the safety of EMLA in either the pediatric or adult population generally followed dosing and administration guidelines set by the manufacturer and reported clinically insignificant plasma levels of methemoglobin, lidocaine, prilocaine, and their respective metabolites. 19. **A comparison of transdermal over-the-counter lidocaine 3.6% menthol 1.25%, Rx lidocaine 5% and placebo for back pain and arthritis.** Pain management 2017 · [PMID 28805147](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28805147/) > Double-blind RCT (n=87): an over-the-counter-strength lidocaine patch was non-inferior to the prescription 5% patch and superior to placebo for back pain and arthritis. 20. **Comparison of the effectiveness and tolerability of lidocaine patch 5% versus celecoxib for osteoarthritis-related knee pain: post hoc analysis of a 12 week, prospective, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, parallel-group trial in adults.** Clinical therapeutics 2008 · [PMID 19167595](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19167595/) > Randomized active-controlled trial found the lidocaine 5% patch produced WOMAC pain improvement comparable to celecoxib 200 mg/day for knee osteoarthritis, with better tolerability. 21. **Effect and safety profile of topical lidocaine on post-surgical neuropathic pain and quality of life: A systematic review and meta-analysis.** Journal of clinical anesthesia 2024 · [PMID 37827033](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37827033/) > Meta-analysis found topical lidocaine reduces post-surgical neuropathic pain and improves quality of life. 22. **Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.** The Lancet. Neurology 2015 · [PMID 25575710](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25575710/) > Landmark meta-analysis of neuropathic-pain pharmacotherapy places lidocaine plasters among second-line options for peripheral neuropathic pain, with a favorable safety profile. ## Where to buy [Search Amazon for Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Aspercreme%204%25%20Lidocaine%20Pain%20Relief%20Cream&tag=magellanlong-20) — affiliate search link. ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"ItemPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html","name":"Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream","description":"Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amino-amide class that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels on sensory nerve fibers, preventing the…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Topical Pain Relief","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/c/7.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html"}]},{"@type":"Product","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html#product","name":"Aspercreme 4% Lidocaine Pain Relief Cream","category":"Topical Pain Relief","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/p/214.html","description":"Lidocaine is a local anesthetic of the amino-amide class that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels on sensory nerve fibers, preventing the initiation and conduction of pain signals. 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Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).