Bupivacaine, marketed under the brand name
Marcaine among others, is a medication used to
decrease feeling in a specific area. It is used by injecting it into the area,
around a nerve that supplies the area, or into the
spinal canal's epidural space. It is available mixed with a small amount of
epinephrine to make it last longer. It typically begins working within 15 minutes and lasts for 2 to 8 hours. Possible side effects include sleepiness, muscle twitching,
ringing in the ears, changes in vision,
low blood pressure, and an irregular heart rate. There are concerns that injecting it into a joint can cause problems with the
cartilage. Concentrated bupivacaine is not recommended for epidural freezing. Epidural freezing may also increase the length of
labor. It is a
local anaesthetic of the amide group. Bupivacaine was discovered in 1957. It is on the
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic
health system. Bupivacaine is available as a
generic medication and is not very expensive. The wholesale cost of a vial is about 2.10 USD.
