Bupivacaine
Also known as: Marcain, Sensorcaine, Marcaine
Your pet has received a long-acting local anaesthetic to control pain. * The area treated (such as a limb) may remain numb and weak for 6 to 8 hours. * **Protect the numb area:** Ensure your pet does not chew, scratch, or injure the numb limb, as they cannot feel pain in that area. * Keep your pet confined and assist them with walking if a leg is weak to prevent falls. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice severe lethargy, muscle tremors, or difficulty breathing.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Regional, epidural, perineural, or intrapleural analgesia
- Regional, epidural, perineural, or intrapleural analgesia
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Severe cardiac arrhythmias (if injected intravascularly)
- Motor blockade (paresis/paralysis of affected limbs)
- CNS toxicity (seizures, tremors) at high systemic doses
- Hypotension (especially with epidural use)
Cautions & contraindications
- Intravenous (IV) administration
- Intravenous regional anaesthesia (Bier block)
- Use of adrenaline-containing formulations at end-arterial sites (e.g., tail, digits, ears)
- Use of adrenaline-containing formulations when significant systemic absorption is likely
- > **CRITICAL WARNING:** Inadvertent intravascular injection may precipitate severe cardiac arrhythmias that are refractory to standard resuscitation treatments. Always aspirate prior to injection. * Lower doses should be used when systemic absorption is likely to be high (e.g., intrapleural analgesia). * Normal sterile precautions should be observed during administration.
Drug interactions
- Other local anaesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, mepivacaine): Additive systemic toxicity; doses must be reduced when used concurrently.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bupivacaine used for in pets?
Your pet has received a long-acting local anaesthetic to control pain. * The area treated (such as a limb) may remain numb and weak for 6 to 8 hours. * **Protect the numb area:** Ensure your pet does not chew, scratch, or injure the numb limb, as they cannot feel pain in that area. * Keep your pet confined and assist them with walking if a leg is weak to prevent falls. * Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice severe lethargy, muscle tremors, or difficulty breathing.
Is Bupivacaine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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