Articaine

Class: Local Anesthetics
Chemical Name: 4-Methyl-3-[[1-oxo-2-(propylamino)propyl]amino]-2-thiopenecarboxylic acid methyl ester monohydrochloride
Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₂₀N₂O₃S•HCl
CAS Number: 23964-57-0
Brands: Septocaine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 21, 2022. Written by ASHP.

Introduction

Intermediate-acting local anesthetic (amide type).

Uses for Articaine

Dental Anesthesia

Local, infiltrative, or regional (i.e., nerve block) anesthesia in simple and complex dental and periodontal procedures.

Anesthetic activity comparable to that of lidocaine, mepivacaine, and prilocaine.

Articaine Dosage and Administration

General

• Determine dosage based on type and extent of surgical procedure, depth of anesthesia, degree of muscular relaxation, and condition of the patient. Use smallest dose required to produce the desired effect.

• For pediatric patients, determine dosage based on age, weight, physical condition of the patient, and type and extent of surgical procedure.

Administration

Submucosal Injection

For solution and drug compatibility information, see Compatibility under Stability.

Administer by submucosal infiltration or by nerve block.

Aspirate prior to administration to guard against intravascular injection.

For chemical disinfection of the cartridge unit, use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol (91%) or ethyl alcohol (70%). Do not use brands that are not of USP grade, since these preparations may contain denaturants that may be injurious to rubber.

Dosage

Available as fixed combination containing articaine hydrochloride and epinephrine bitartrate; dosage expressed in terms of articaine hydrochloride.

Pediatric Patients

Dental Anesthesia

Submucosal Injection

Children ≥4 years of age: Use lower dosages than those suggested for healthy adults (see Adults under Dosage and Administration).

Simple procedures: 0.76–5.65 mg/kg used in clinical trials.

Complex procedures: 0.37–7.48 mg/kg used in clinical trials.

Approximately 13% of pediatric patients in clinical trials required additional injections for complete anesthesia.

Adults

Dental Anesthesia

Submucosal Injection

Usual dosage range: 20–204 mg.

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Dental Anesthesia

Submucosal Injection

Maximum 7 mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg).

Adults

Dental Anesthesia

Submucosal Injection

Maximum 7 mg/k...