How long can a lidocaine patch be safely left in place?

The lidocaine patch is designed to provide localized pain relief through the transdermal delivery of lidocaine. The optimal duration for leaving a lidocaine patch in place is typically 18 to 24 hours. This time frame allows for effective pain relief while minimizing the risk of local skin irritation or systemic side effects.

The maximum recommended time of 24 hours aligns with guidelines for transdermal medication administration, ensuring that the therapeutic effects are maintained without exceeding safe exposure levels. Leaving the patch on longer than recommended can lead to increased systemic absorption, potentially causing adverse effects, and risking tolerance or decreased efficacy of the medication over time.

This duration of use is crucial for balancing pain management needs with the safety profile of the medication.