Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Xaracoll
Available Dosage Forms:
- Implant
Therapeutic Class: Anesthetic, Local
Chemical Class: Bupivacaine
Uses for bupivacaine
Bupivacaine implant is used to prevent pain for up to 24 hours after surgery in the groin area (open inguinal hernia repair). It is a local anesthetic.
Bupivacaine causes a loss of feeling and prevents pain by blocking signals at the nerve endings. It does not cause loss of consciousness.
Bupivacaine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using bupivacaine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For bupivacaine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to bupivacaine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of bupivacaine implant in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of bupivacaine implant in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of bupivacaine than younger adults and are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution for patients receiving bupivacaine implant.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together...
