What it means
A local anestheticLOH-kul an-es-THET-ikA drug that blocks feeling in one part of the body without making the person unconscious.Full entry that blocks nerve signals for several hours, longer than lidocaineLY-doh-kaynA local anesthetic that numbs an area, also given by IV to treat some fast, abnormal heart rhythms.Full entry . It is injected into tissue, around nerves, or into the epidural or spinal space, including for labor. A liposomal form (Exparel) is placed in surgical wounds for pain relief that lasts for days. Too much reaching the bloodstream causes local anesthetic toxicity: a metallic taste, ringing ears, numb lips, confusion, seizures and heart rhythm problems. Its boxed warning says the 0.75% strength is not for obstetric anesthesia. Epidural and intrathecal (spinal) bupivacaine is on ISMP's high-alert list; bupivacaine injected into tissue or around a nerve is not listed.
For the nurse
Bupivacaine is never given IV; label epidural lines clearly and keep them separate from IV lines. Watch blood pressure, sensation, movement and breathing after a block or epidural, and report early signs of toxicity at once.
At a glance
| Drug class | local anesthetic (amide) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Marcaine, Sensorcaine, Exparel |
| Spanish | bupivacaína |
| Also written | Marcaine, Sensorcaine, Exparel |
Related terms
epidural anesthesia
Pain relief or numbness from an anesthetic drug given through a thin catheter into the space just outside the covering of the spinal cord.
lidocaine
A local anesthetic that numbs an area, also given by IV to treat some fast, abnormal heart rhythms.
local anesthesia
Numbing medicine applied to or injected into one small area, so a procedure there is not felt while the person stays awake.
local anesthetic
A drug that blocks feeling in one part of the body without making the person unconscious.