Introduction

Name

• Bupivacaine.

Class of drug

• Local anesthetic.

Description

Chemical name

• 1-butyl-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)piperidine-2-carboxamide.

Molecular formula

• C₁₈H₂₈N₂O.

Molecular weight

• 288.435 g/mol.

Physical properties

• Clear, sterile solution.

Storage requirements

• <25°C/77°F.

Uses

Indications

• Used predominantly as a local anesthetic Local anesthesia.
• Has a longer duration of action than most other local anesthetic agents.
• Effects not seen for up to 30 min but usually within 15-20 min.
• Duration of action 4-7 h in most rodents.

Administration

Precautions

Interactions

with other drugs

Propranolol

• May increase bupivicaine effects if administered concurrently.

Other local anesthetics

• Dose of bupivacaine should be reduced when used in combination with other local anesthetics.

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Badgwell J M et al (1990) Bupivacaine toxicity in young pigs is age-dependent and is affected by volatile anesthetics. Anesthesiology 73 (2), 297-303 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Ramsey I et al (2011) Bupivacaine. In: BSAVA Small Animal Formulary. 7th edn. BSAVA, UK.
• Gaertner D J et al (2008) Anesthesia and Analgesia for Laboratory Rodents. In: Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals. 2nd edn. Elsevier. pp 239-298.
• Lichtenberger M & Ko J (2007) Anaesthesia and Analgesia for Small Mammals and Birds. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 10 (2), 293-315.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.