Bupivacaine Injection (Bupivacaine Hydrochloride (As Monohydrate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Bupivacaine Injection Used For?
Bupivacaine Injection is a local anaesthetic medicine that prevents or relieves pain without putting you to sleep. It’s commonly used during or after surgery to provide effective pain relief.
Primary Uses
Used to prevent or relieve pain during or after surgery. It provides pain relief by blocking nerve signals in the area where it’s injected.
How It Works
Bupivacaine works as a local anaesthetic by blocking nerve signals. When injected, it either completely stops pain or causes partial loss of feeling (numbness) in the treated area, depending on the amount used.
Good to know: This medicine will not put you to sleep – it only blocks pain in the specific area where it’s injected
How Bupivacaine Injection Is Given
Bupivacaine Injection must only be given by a doctor. It’s administered through injection into different areas depending on the type of pain relief needed.
Administration Methods
The injection can be given into the skin, near a single nerve, or into an area containing many nerves (such as an epidural injection around the spinal cord). For epidural infusions, a thin tube is inserted to allow continuous dosing over time. Your doctor will determine the dose, frequency, and duration based on your condition, weight, age, liver and kidney function, and other medications you’re taking.
Professional Administration
This medication is always given under careful medical supervision by an experienced anaesthetist who will monitor your condition throughout treatment.
Important: Bupivacaine should never be injected directly into the blood – it must be given by a qualified healthcare professional
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nervousness, agitation
- dizziness
- ringing in the ears
- blurred vision
- numbness
- disorientation (feeling strange)
- nausea, vomiting
- difficulty swallowing, slurred speech
- shakes (tremor), tingling sensation (pins and needles)
- headache or backache after epidural injection
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- fits (seizures)
- difficulty breathing
- severe dizziness with slow or irregular heart beat
- joint pain, stiffness or loss of motion
- unconsciousness
- low blood pressure and collapse
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Bupivacaine Injection should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Receive Bupivacaine Injection
Do not use if you are allergic to bupivacaine, other local anaesthetics (like lidocaine), or any ingredients in the medicine. Also avoid if you have an infection or swelling where the injection will be given, or if you have uncorrected low blood pressure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: blood pressure or circulation problems (especially low blood pressure), blood clotting problems, blood poisoning, acidosis (too much acid in blood), brain/spine/nerve diseases, muscle diseases like myasthenia gravis, kidney/liver/heart/thyroid problems, or epilepsy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The safety during pregnancy is not fully established. It may affect your baby if given early in pregnancy or in the final weeks, though it may be used during childbirth. Small amounts can pass into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms of allergic reactions include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with Bupivacaine Injection and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- Heart rhythm medicines (mexiletine, amiodarone)
- Blood clot prevention medicines (heparin, low molecular weight heparin)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Other medicines that slow blood clotting
Alcohol & Driving
Bupivacaine Injection can affect your ability to drive and operate machinery safely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be very careful before driving or using machines or tools after receiving Bupivacaine Injection. You may feel drowsy, light-headed, or nauseous. Your reflexes may be slower than normal, which can make driving dangerous.
Storage
Bupivacaine Injection will be stored by your doctor or pharmacist under the recommended conditions. Any unused medicine will be safely disposed of by healthcare professionals. This medication is for single use only.
Overdose Information
Overdose rarely happens as Bupivacaine Injection is given under careful medical supervision by experienced healthcare professionals. Your condition is carefully monitored during and after administration. If too much is given, you may experience the side effects listed above. Emergency equipment is always available to treat severe reactions. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you think you’ve received too much or experience severe side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
The onset time depends on where the injection is given and the amount used. Your doctor will explain when you can expect pain relief to begin based on your specific treatment.
The duration of pain relief varies depending on the dose, location of injection, and individual factors. Your doctor will discuss how long you can expect the effects to last.
Yes, Bupivacaine Injection is a local anaesthetic that prevents or relieves pain but will not put you to sleep. You will remain conscious during the procedure.
No, you should not drive immediately after receiving this injection. You may feel drowsy, light-headed, or nauseous, and your reflexes may be slower. Wait until these effects wear off before driving.
Tell your doctor about all medical conditions, especially heart, blood pressure, liver, kidney problems, or epilepsy. Also mention all medications you’re taking and any allergies to local anaesthetics.
The safety during pregnancy is not fully established. It may be used during childbirth, but your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you if you are pregnant.
Allergic reactions can include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face or lips, rash, or hives. Emergency equipment is always available when this medication is given, and healthcare professionals are trained to handle such reactions immediately.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.