Menthol vs Lidocaine
National NHS prescribing compared (Prescription Cost Analysis)
Menthol was dispensed 10.4× as often as Lidocaine in May 2026 — 18,392 items versus 1,776 in England.
18,392items
Menthol · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
1,776items
Lidocaine · May 2026
NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis
Figure 1. Menthol versus Lidocaine: national items dispensed by month
▬ Menthol · ╌ Lidocaine
Source: NHSBSA Prescription Cost Analysis, to May 2026
| Measure | Menthol | Lidocaine |
|---|---|---|
| Items, May 2026 | 18,392 | 1,776 |
| Items, last 12 months | 212,173 | 22,041 |
| Net ingredient cost, May 2026 | £292,252 | £8,888 |