MARCAINE

Do not use Marcaine in people with the following conditions:

• Hypersensitivity: Bupivacaine should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to bupivacaine or other local anesthetics of the amide type. If you have a history of allergic reactions to bupivacaine or similar medications, it is important to inform your healthcare provider.
• Cardiac Conduction Abnormalities: Bupivacaine should be used with caution, or avoided altogether, in individuals with pre-existing cardiac conduction abnormalities. This includes conditions such as heart block or certain arrhythmias. Bupivacaine has the potential to further disrupt the electrical conduction of the heart, which can be dangerous in individuals with existing cardiac conditions.
• Severe Hypotension: Bupivacaine should not be used in individuals with severe hypotension (low blood pressure) or shock. The medication can further lower blood pressure, potentially worsening the condition.
• Infection at Injection Site: Bupivacaine should not be injected into areas with current local infection or cellulitis. The injection could potentially spread the infection or worsen the condition.
• Methemoglobinemia: Bupivacaine should be used with caution in individuals with a history of methemoglobinemia, a condition in which there is an abnormal form of hemoglobin in the blood that reduces its ability to carry oxygen. Bupivacaine can potentially exacerbate this condition.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: While bupivacaine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, caution should be exercised, especially in high doses or prolonged use. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before using bupivacaine during these periods.

Marcaine may have the following side effects:

• Localized Pain or Discomfort: After the administration of bupivacaine, it is common to experience temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site. This is usually mild and subsides on its own.
• Numbness or Weakness: Bupivacaine is a potent local anesthetic, and it may cause temporary numbness or weakness in the area where it is administered. This effect is intended and usually resolves as the medication wears off.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to bupivacaine can occur. Symptoms may include hives, itching, rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving bupivacaine, seek immediate medical attention.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Bupivacaine can affect the cardiovascular system, particularly at higher doses. It may cause changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or heart rhythm. This is more likely to occur with systemic absorption or accidental intravascular injection. Patients with underlying cardiac conditions may be at higher risk.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Bupivacaine can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, or even seizures. These effects are usually transient and resolve as the medication is metabolized.
• Gastrointestinal Upset: Some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach after receiving bupivacaine. These symptoms are typically temporary and subside without intervention.

Keep in mind that your physician has recommended this drug since he or she has known that the advantage to you is more noteworthy than the risk of adverse reactions. Many individuals utilizing this medicine don’t have serious side effects.

A serious allergy to this medication is uncommon. In any case, seek emergency medical help if you see any manifestations of a serious allergic response, including a rash, tingling or swelling particularly of the face or tongue or throat, dizziness or difficulty in breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you see other effects not recorded above, contact your physician or pharmacist.

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

• Proper Administration: Bupivacaine should be administered by a trained healthcare professional who is experienced in the use of local anesthetics. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and technique for administration to minimize the risk of complications.
• Accidental Intravascular Injection: Care should be taken to avoid accidental intravascular injection of bupivacaine, as it can lead to systemic toxicity. Aspiration should be performed prior to injection to ensure the needle is not in a blood vessel. Signs of intravascular injection include increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure, or central nervous system effects. If any of these signs occur, immediate medical attention should be sought.
• Dose Limitations: Bupivacaine should be used with caution and in the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of systemic toxicity. Higher doses or prolonged use can increase the likelihood of adverse effects, particularly on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your specific circumstances.
• Monitoring: Close monitoring of vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, is important during and after bupivacaine administration. This allows for early detection of any potential adverse reactions.
• Drug Interactions: Bupivacaine may interact with other medications, including certain antiarrhythmics or local anesthetics. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, to prevent any potential interactions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Bupivacaine is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed. However, caution should be exercised, especially in higher doses or prolonged use. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Prior to taking this medicine, tell your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or if you have some other hypersensitivities. This drug may contain inert ingredients which can cause unfavorable side effects or different issues. Talk with your pharmacist for more information.

Interactions

Marcaine may interact with the following medicines:

• Antiarrhythmic medications: Bupivacaine should be used with caution in patients who are also taking Class I antiarrhythmic drugs, such as lidocaine or mexiletine. These medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects when used together with bupivacaine.
• Other local anesthetics: Concurrent use of multiple local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or procaine, may increase the risk of systemic toxicity. Caution should be exercised when using bupivacaine with other local anesthetics to avoid excessive dose accumulation.
• Beta-blockers: The concomitant use of bupivacaine with beta-blockers, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, may enhance the cardiovascular effects of bupivacaine. Close monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is recommended in such cases.
• Cimetidine: Cimetidine, a medication used to reduce stomach acid, can inhibit the metabolism of bupivacaine, potentially leading to increased levels of bupivacaine in the body. This may increase the risk of systemic toxicity. Close monitoring for adverse effects is warranted if these medications are used together.
• Other drugs that affect heart rhythm: Medications that can prolong the QT interval, such as certain antibiotics (e.g., macrolides), antifungals (e.g., fluconazole), or antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs), may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias when used concurrently with bupivacaine.

Inform your physician about the drugs you take including over-the-counter medications, prescribed drugs, supplements and vitamins.
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Approach your physician or pharmacist for more details.

The effects of certain medications can change if you consume different medications or herbal products simultaneously. This can build your risk for side effects or may cause your drugs not to work effectively. These interactions are conceivable, yet don’t generally happen. Your physician or pharmacist can prevent or oversee interactions by changing how you utilize your prescriptions or by close checking.

While utilizing this drug, don’t start, stop, or change the dose of other medicines you are using without your physician’s advice.

If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor right away.

Available Brands:

• Marcaine