Bupivacaine is a medication to relieve pain or numbness during surgical procedures, medical procedures, or childbirth. Bupivacaine can be used as a regional anesthetic that will affect certain areas of the body.
Bupivacaine works by blocking pain stimuli sent by nerve cells to the brain, so that pain is temporarily lost. Bupivacaine is available in injectable form and can only be given by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.
Trademarks of bupivacaine: Bucain Spinal Heavy, Marcain, Regivell Spinal, Socain Spinal
What is Bupivacaine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Dope |
| Benefit | Gives a numbing effect and relieves pain in certain body parts according to the area of nerves |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Bupivacaine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Bupivacaine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Precautions Before Using Bupivacaine
There are several things you should pay attention to before using bupivacaine, including:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Bupivacaine should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, brain tumor, spinal cord tumor, hypotension, infectious disease, heart rhythm disorder, syphilis, or polio.
- Tell your doctor if you have chronic back pain, arthritis, spinal deformity, such as scoliosis, or have any blood disorders, including anemia, methemoglobinemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or a blood clotting disorder.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Report to your doctor if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using bupivacaine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Bupivacaine
The dose of bupivacaine varies in each patient. The doctor will adjust the dose according to the condition to be treated and the patient's body response. The following are the doses of bupivacaine for adults:
- Purpose: As a regional anesthetic for surgical procedures
Dosage 12.5–150 mg, depending on the type of surgery and the part of the body to be sedated.
- Purpose: Overcoming labor pain
Dosage 15–30 mg as a 0.25% solution, 22.5–45 mg as a 0.375% solution, or 30–60 mg as a 0.5% solution.
- Purpose: Overcoming postoperative pain
Dosage 4–15 mg as a 0.1% solution or 5–15 mg as a 0.125% solution.
How to Use Bupivacaine Correctly
Bupivacaine injection will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
The injection of bupivacaine will depend on the area of the body to be anesthetized. If it is intended to numb or relieve pain from the navel to the feet (epidural anesthesia), the injection can be done in the lower back area.
During the injection, the patient's general condition, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level will be monitored periodically by the doctor. This is to ensure the condition and prevent side effects.
Follow all the recommendations and advice given by your doctor before, during, and after bupivacaine injection.
Interactions of Bupivacaine with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur when bupivacaine is used with certain drugs:
- Increased risk of toxic effects and methemoglobinemia when used with local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or prilocaine
- Decreased heart muscle function and workmyocardial depression) if used with antiarrhythmic drugs
- Increased risk of side effects of bupivacaine when used with hyaluronidase, calcium antagonists, or beta-blockers
- Increased blood levels of bupivacaine when used with cimetidine or ranitidine
Side Effects and Dangers of Bupivacaine
Some of the side effects that can occur after using bupivacaine are:
- Decreased sexual desire
- Skin irritation, redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Dizziness, headache, or drowsiness
- Ears ringing
- Prolonged numbness
- Fever, chills, or hyperthermia
- Tremor
- Fast or slow heart rate
- Difficult to urinate
Report to your doctor if you experience any of the side effects listed above or have an allergic reaction to any medication.
