The lidocaine patch 5% is a topical analgesic acting by blocking sodium channels of peripheral nerve endings and by inhibiting ectopic discharges in sensitized and hyperactive cutaneous nociceptors. The patch is noninvasive, with minimal systemic absorption resulting in a reduced risk of drug-drug interaction. In addition, a central analgesic effect of lidocaine has been suggested. The lidocaine patch 5% is currently licensed for the treatment of symptomatic postherpetic neuralgia. It also has been successfully used in patients with other neuropathic pain states, such as entrapment neuropathies, painful idiopathic distal sensory polyneuropathies and postoperative/post traumatic neuropathic chronic cutaneous pain. The lidocaine patch has not been studied for the management and prevention of phantom limb pain.