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Bupivacaine Digital Block

University of California, San Francisco · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the initiation and propagation of action potentials to produce regional anesthesia.

Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the initiation and propagation of action potentials to produce regional anesthesia. Used for Digital nerve block for surgical anesthesia of fingers and hand, Regional anesthesia for hand and finger procedures.

At a glance

Generic nameBupivacaine Digital Block
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco
Drug classLocal anesthetic
TargetVoltage-gated sodium channels
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaAnesthesia
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Bupivacaine reversibly binds to and blocks voltage-gated sodium channels on the inner surface of nerve cell membranes, preventing depolarization and nerve impulse transmission. When administered as a digital block (injection around nerves supplying the fingers), it produces localized anesthesia of the hand and fingers. The drug is long-acting compared to other local anesthetics due to its high lipophilicity and protein binding.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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