Last reviewed · How we verify
Bupivacaine/epinephrine/dexamethasone
This is a combination injection containing bupivacaine (local anesthetic), epinephrine (vasoconstrictor), and dexamethasone (corticosteroid) that blocks nerve conduction, maintains local drug concentration, and reduces inflammation at the injection site.
This is a combination injection containing bupivacaine (local anesthetic), epinephrine (vasoconstrictor), and dexamethasone (corticosteroid) that blocks nerve conduction, maintains local drug concentration, and reduces inflammation at the injection site. Used for Local anesthesia for surgical and procedural use.
At a glance
| Generic name | Bupivacaine/epinephrine/dexamethasone |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Decadron |
| Sponsor | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center |
| Drug class | Local anesthetic combination |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels (bupivacaine); alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (epinephrine); glucocorticoid receptor (dexamethasone) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia/Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Bupivacaine works by blocking sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing action potential propagation and producing local anesthesia. Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction, which prolongs anesthetic duration and reduces systemic absorption. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, provides anti-inflammatory effects to reduce post-operative pain and swelling at the injection site.
Approved indications
- Local anesthesia for surgical and procedural use
Common side effects
- Injection site pain or discomfort
- Transient nerve irritation
- Systemic toxicity from local anesthetic (rare)
- Allergic reaction
Key clinical trials
- Prospective Evaluation of Efficacy of Tumescent Steroid Infiltration in Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: a Split Mouth Randomized Study (NA)
- Liposomal Bupivacaine vs Perineural Adjuvants in Adductor Canalf and iPACK Blocks in Total Knee Arthroplasty (PHASE4)
- Genicular Nerve Block for Knee Pain in the ED (NA)
- Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Study (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Interscalene Block Versus Combined Infraclavicular-Anterior Suprascapular Blocks for Shoulder Surgery (NA)
- Multifidus Cervicis Plane Block Vs. Sham Block For Posterior Cervical Spine Fusion Surgery (PHASE4)
- PENG vs Femoral Block for Hip Fracture Analgesia (NA)
- Non-opioid Anesthesia Based on Thoracic Paravertebral Block During Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: