Bupivacaine (HCl)
Bupivacaine (HCl) Information

About Bupivacaine (HCl)

Bupivacaine (HCl) is amide local anesthetic and a homologue of mepivacaine, chemically related to lidocaine. It consists of an aromatic ring connected by an intermediate chain to an ionizable group, usually a tertiary amine. Bupivacaine (HCl) is more potent and has a longer duration of action than mepivacaine.

Indications

Bupivacaine (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Epidural block, surgery, Heart failure, Labor, Local anaesthesia, Local infiltration, Peripheral nerve block, Supraventricular arrhythmias (particularly atrial fibrillation), Sympathetic block.

Contraindication

Bupivacaine (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Hypovolaemia,Hypersensitivity,Intravenous regional anaesthesia.

Side Effects

Bupivacaine (HCl) produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Respiratory depression, Respiratory arrest. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Bupivacaine (HCl) therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Bupivacaine (HCl) include Metallic taste, Tinnitus, Anxiety, Irrational behavior, Circumoral numbness.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Bupivacaine (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Anxiety, Tinnitus, Metallic taste, Shivering, Circumoral numbness.

Warnings

Avoid Bupivacaine in patient with known hypersensitivity. It should be given with caution to the elderly, to debilitated, to children, patients with epilepsy, impaired cardiac conduction or respiratory function, shock or liver damage. It might be ototoxic and should not be instilled into the middle ear. The application of local anaesthatics to the skin for prolonged period or to the extensive area should be avoided.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.