Pain
Lidocaine patch and topical pain rubs
Topical analgesic
Other names: lidocaine patch, Lidoderm, Salonpas, capsaicin, Qutenza, Bengay
Wait
24 hours
after the first dose of capsaicin (Qutenza) and none for lidocaine on the skin (the FAA's MedGuide)
A general FAA rule gives a different wait. The specific one applies.
FAA label
GENERALLY SAFE TO FLY
The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists lidocaine patches, muscle rubs and capsaicin in its "Generally Safe to Fly" column, with a caution about lidocaine on hands or open wounds.
Track your medicationsCompare FAA documents: lidocaine patch and topical pain rubsWhat each of the two FAA documents says, in plain wordsOpen
The FAA's documents differ. The FAA's over-the-counter guide lists these in its generally-safe column and gives them no wait of their own; its general rule for any new medication is 48 hours. The FAA's MedGuide names capsaicin and lidocaine on the skin themselves, with 24 hours after the first dose of capsaicin and none for lidocaine, so the MedGuide's waits apply and the guide's general rule is background.
Wait
- the over-the-counter guide's general rule for any new medication is 48 hours
The guide also says never to fly after taking a new medication for the first time until at least 48 hours have passed and no side effects are noted.
The FAA's MedGuide names capsaicin on the skin (Qutenza) as allowed, for pain management, neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia, with a wait of 24 hours after the first dose and none after later doses or after the final dose, used per label directions, and lidocaine on the skin (Lidoderm), for postherpetic neuralgia, with no wait, used as prescribed. The MedGuide defines allowed as acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.
- capsaicin: 24 hours after the first dose: ground observation
Show the FAA's words: lidocaine patch and topical pain rubsThe official FAA wording: three passages, each with its document and dateOpen
lidocaine patch (Lidoderm), muscle rub, capsaicin. CAUTION: With lidocaine application, avoid getting on hands or open wounds as this can drop blood pressure or absorb faster.
Generic: capsaicin (topical)
Brand Name: Qutenza
Drug Class: Analgesic, Topical; Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) Agonist
Underlying Condition: Pain management; Neuropathic pain; Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): 24 hours
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: Per label directions
Generic: lidocaine (topical)
Brand Name: Lidoderm
Drug Class: Analgesic, Topical
Underlying Condition: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
Use: ALLOW
INITIAL Wait Time (after first dose): None
SUBSEQUENT Dose Wait Time (after each dose): None
DISCONTINUATION Wait Time (after final dose): None
Frequency Use Limit: As prescribed
NEVER FLY AFTER TAKING A NEW MEDICATION FOR THE FIRST TIME UNTIL AT LEAST 48 HOURS HAVE PASSED AND NO SIDE EFFECTS ARE NOTED.
ALLOWED: The medication is acceptable for use while performing flight or safety-related duties, provided the condition is stable/aeromedically acceptable and no adverse side effects are present.