bupivacaine hydrochloride

Discovered in 1957, Bupivacaine is a medication used to decrease feeling in a specific area. It basically blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain. As a matter of fact, Bupivacaine is of special interest because of its long duration of action and history of clinical application. Plus, it is the most commonly used local anesthetic in epidural anesthesia during labor, as well as in postoperative pain management. Of course, Bupivacaine is administered to patients by healthcare professionals, including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, pain specialist, emergency department physician, and nurse practitioner. However, all healthcare workers who do administer the drug must know its potential side effects and toxicity. As for its possible side effects, they include sleepiness, muscle twitching, ringing in the ears, changes in vision, low blood pressure, and an irregular heart rate. So, if you’re a doctor and your patient reports any numbness around the lips or mouth, metallic taste, ringing in their ears, tremors, and ominous feelings, the administration of Bupivacaine must stop immediately. Even though animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, there are still no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. However, potential benefits may warrant use of this drug in pregnant women despite potential risks. Therefore, Bupivacaine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.