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Bupivacaine (Marcaine)
Bupivacaine blocks sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, preventing the initiation and propagation of action potentials to produce local anesthesia.
Bupivacaine blocks sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, preventing the initiation and propagation of action potentials to produce local anesthesia. Used for Local infiltration anesthesia, Peripheral nerve blocks, Epidural anesthesia.
At a glance
| Generic name | Bupivacaine (Marcaine) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health |
| Drug class | Local anesthetic (amide) |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Anesthesia |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Bupivacaine is a long-acting amide local anesthetic that reversibly inhibits sodium influx into nerve fibers, thereby stabilizing the neuronal membrane and preventing depolarization. This action blocks both sensory and motor nerve conduction in a dose-dependent manner. Its longer duration of action compared to other local anesthetics makes it suitable for both infiltration anesthesia and regional nerve blocks.
Approved indications
- Local infiltration anesthesia
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Epidural anesthesia
- Spinal anesthesia
- Topical anesthesia
Common side effects
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Cardiac arrhythmias (with systemic toxicity)
- Seizures (with systemic toxicity)
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Scalp Block on Intraoperative Hemodynamics and Postoperative Pain in Craniotomy Patients" (NA)
- Repeated Bilateral Greater Occipital Nerve Blockade in Chronic Migraine and Chronic Tension-Type Headache (NA)
- Ultrasound-Guided Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Analgesia in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery (NA)
- Arthrosemid vs. Steroid for the Management Knee Osteoarthritis (PHASE4)
- Bilateral Cervical Plexus Block for Postoperative Pain After Thyroidectomy (NA)
- Regional Nerve Blocks to Improve Analgesia and Recovery in Older Adults Undergoing Spinal Fusion (EARLY_PHASE1)
- mTLIP vs QIPB for Postoperative Analgesia in Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery (NA)
- Continuous Epidural With Dexmedetomidine Adjuvant in Gynecologic Laparotomy (PHASE4)
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:
- Bupivacaine (Marcaine) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Bupivacaine (Marcaine) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- NYU Langone Health portfolio CI