💉 Bupivacaine Injection 0.5% and 0.75% (7.5 mg/mL)
📘 Description
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection is a long-acting, amide-type local anesthetic. It is used to provide surgical anesthesia and pain relief by blocking nerve signal transmission. Available in multiple concentrations:
- 0.5% = 5 mg/mL
- 0.75% = 7.5 mg/mL
Both are supplied as clear, sterile, non-pyrogenic aqueous solutions for injection, either with or without preservatives.
📝 Prescription & Composition
| Parameter | Bupivacaine 0.5% | Bupivacaine 0.75% |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 5 mg/mL | 7.5 mg/mL |
| Form | Sterile solution | Sterile solution |
| Route of Admin | Epidural, spinal, nerve block, etc. | Epidural, spinal, nerve block |
| Container | Vials/Ampoules – 10 mL / 20 mL | Vials/Ampoules – 4 mL / 10 mL |
| Preservative-Free Form | Yes (for spinal) | Yes (for spinal) |
| pH Range | 4.0 – 6.5 | 4.0 – 6.5 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless solution | Clear, colorless solution |
💊 Common Uses
- Regional anesthesia during surgical procedures
- Spinal or epidural anesthesia (especially for lower abdomen, pelvis, or legs)
- Peripheral nerve blocks (e.g., brachial plexus, femoral, sciatic)
- Postoperative and labor analgesia
- Infiltration anesthesia for minor surgeries
🌿 Nature & Mechanism
- Type: Amide group local anesthetic
- Mechanism of Action: Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes → prevents nerve impulse propagation
- Duration of Action:
- 0.5%: ~4–8 hours
- 0.75%: ~6–12 hours
- Metabolism: Liver (hepatic)
- Excretion: Kidneys
✅ Advantages
| Feature | 0.5% | 0.75% |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced sensory/motor | Yes (ideal for labor, general surgery) | Stronger motor and sensory block |
| Long-acting | Yes | Yes, longer duration than 0.5% |
| Suitable for epidural | Yes | Yes (not preferred in obstetrics) |
| Precise control | Moderate | More dense blockade |
| Less risk of toxicity | Compared to 0.75% | Higher potency → more caution needed |
⚠️ Precautions
- Do NOT use intravenously – may cause cardiac toxicity, seizures, or arrest
- Cardiovascular risks – especially with higher concentrations (0.75%)
- CNS effects – seizures, light-headedness, restlessness possible with overdose
- Always aspirate before injection to avoid intravascular placement
- Use preservative-free forms for spinal anesthesia
- Avoid 0.75% in obstetric epidural due to increased cardiac arrest risk
- Use with caution in:
- Elderly
- Hepatic/renal impairment
- Debilitated or hypovolemic patients
📦 Packaging
- Bupivacaine 0.5%: 10 mL, 20 mL vials
- Bupivacaine 0.75%: 4 mL, 10 mL ampoules (for spinal or high-density blocks)
🧪 Storage
- Store below 25°C
- Protect from light
- Do not freeze
- Check for clarity before use