About bupivacaine hcl
Amide local anesthetic
Used for
- Local or regional anesthesia for surgery and procedures
- Epidural anesthesia and pain relief during labor
Usual adult dose
Varies by procedure and injection site; clinicians use the lowest effective dose, typically up to 175 mg per dose for infiltration.
Usual dose in children
Calculated by weight and procedure; generally no more than 2 mg/kg for single-dose infiltration.
Common side effects
- Numbness or weakness near the injection site
- Low blood pressure or slow heartbeat
- Nausea or dizziness
- Rarely, seizures or abnormal heart rhythms
Important warnings
- Only trained clinicians should administer; accidental injection into a blood vessel can be life-threatening.
- Excess doses may cause seizures, breathing problems, or cardiac arrest.
- Not for intravenous regional anesthesia or use in obstetric paracervical blocks.
- Dose adjustments may be needed with liver disease, frailty, or heart conditions.
Pregnancy
May be used for anesthesia during childbirth when clinically appropriate; dosing requires specialist care.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts may enter milk; usual anesthetic use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Other local anesthetics increase toxic effects.
- Antiarrhythmics, especially class III medicines, may increase heart-rhythm risks.
- Medicines that slow heart rate or affect cardiac conduction may increase cardiovascular effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.