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What Is Bupivacaine?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

Bupivacaine, also know as bupavacaine, is commonly used for local anesthesia or pain relief before and after surgery or dental procedures. The drug can be administered regularly for a short period of time if it is used for post-procedural pain relief. It may also be used during the process of labor and delivery. This medication is administered via epidural or direct injection. It is marketed under the product names Sensorcaine®, Vivacaine®, Marcaine®, and Marcain®.

The drug works by blocking the impulses of the nerves that transmit the sensation of pain. This includes impeding both the creation of nerve impulses and their ability to travel throughout the body. It does this specifically by binding to channels that carry sodium to the nerves, thus stopping their progress. Bupivacaine provides additional numbing by also blocking some potassium channels.

Local anesthesia relieves pain from dental and oral surgery procedures.
Local anesthesia relieves pain from dental and oral surgery procedures.

If it is administered incorrectly, bupivacaine can be cardiotoxic, which can result in damage to the muscles in and around the heart. The drug is not only ineffective when administered intravenously, but it has been known to be fatal. This is primarily because the drug does not work correctly when it is absorbed by the whole system instead of being administered locally. These risks are extremely low if the drug is injected as intended.

An epidural uses drugs such as bupivacaine to numb parts of the body from pain, such as during labor or surgery.
An epidural uses drugs such as bupivacaine to numb parts of the body from pain, such as during labor or surgery.

There are some conditions that should be disclosed to a doctor before taking bupivacaine, as they may make taking the drug too risky or at least require that the patient be observed more closely while being treated. Patients with heart disease or problems with the liver, kidneys, or blood pressure may be advised not to take the drug. Women who are nursing or pregnant may also be at a higher risk of adverse side effects from taking bupivacaine.

The potential side effects of bupivacaine include blurry vision and an abnormal heartbeat.
The potential side effects of bupivacaine include blurry vision and an abnormal heartbeat.

It is also important for patients to disclose all drugs and supplements they are currently taking before starting bupivacaine treatment. Some drugs, such as beta-blockers, may make taking the medication too risky. Patients with an allergy to sulfites should not take the drug.

The most common side effects of taking bupivacaine should only be reported to a doctor if they become severe or do not go away. They are drowsiness or dizziness. Severe side effects should receive immediate attention and include chest pain, seizures, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may also have blurred vision, an irregular heartbeat, or feel uncharacteristic restlessness and excitement. An allergic medical reaction, which can include breathing problems, hives, rash, swelling, and chest tightness, should receive emergency medical attention.

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    • Local anesthesia relieves pain from dental and oral surgery procedures.
      By: belahoche
      Local anesthesia relieves pain from dental and oral surgery procedures.
    • An epidural uses drugs such as bupivacaine to numb parts of the body from pain, such as during labor or surgery.
      By: chanawit
      An epidural uses drugs such as bupivacaine to numb parts of the body from pain, such as during labor or surgery.
    • The potential side effects of bupivacaine include blurry vision and an abnormal heartbeat.
      By: bellemedia
      The potential side effects of bupivacaine include blurry vision and an abnormal heartbeat.
    • Bupivacaine can be administered during the process of labor and delivery.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Bupivacaine can be administered during the process of labor and delivery.
    • Local anaesthetics such as bupivacaine are often used for dental procedures.
      By: Vladimir Melnik
      Local anaesthetics such as bupivacaine are often used for dental procedures.
    • In some cases, a doctor may administer a small amount of sedative through an intravenous line in addition to bupivacaine.
      By: tawesit
      In some cases, a doctor may administer a small amount of sedative through an intravenous line in addition to bupivacaine.
    • Side effects of bupivacaine may include drowsiness.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Side effects of bupivacaine may include drowsiness.