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Trigger point injection with bupivacaine
Bupivacaine blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, interrupting pain signal transmission when injected directly into trigger points.
Bupivacaine blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers, interrupting pain signal transmission when injected directly into trigger points. Used for Myofascial pain syndrome with trigger points, Musculoskeletal pain conditions.
At a glance
| Generic name | Trigger point injection with bupivacaine |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | George Washington University |
| Drug class | Local anesthetic |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that penetrates nerve cell membranes and reversibly binds to sodium channels from the inside, preventing depolarization and action potential propagation. When injected into myofascial trigger points (localized areas of muscle tension), it interrupts nociceptive signaling and provides localized pain relief. This allows muscle relaxation and can break the pain-spasm cycle associated with trigger point dysfunction.
Approved indications
- Myofascial pain syndrome with trigger points
- Musculoskeletal pain conditions
Common side effects
- Local injection site pain or bruising
- Temporary numbness at injection site
- Systemic toxicity (rare, with overdose)
Key clinical trials
- Investigating the Minimum Number of Needling Required to Optimize Trigger Point Injections Outcome (PHASE2)
- Multi-modal Imaging of Myofascial Pain - Phase 2 (NA)
- The Effect of Local Analgesia on Postoperative Gluteal Pain in Patients Undergoing Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation (PHASE4)
- Caudal Epidural Steroid and Trigger Point Injection (PHASE4)
- Trigger Point Injections in Anterior Cervical Surgery (PHASE4)
- Trigger Point Injection for Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Low Back: A Randomized Controlled Trial (PHASE4)
- Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) vs. Trigger Point Injection (TPI) for Abdominal Wall Pain (PHASE2)
- Analgesic Effect of Trigger Point Injection and EMLA for Shoulder Pain in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (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 |
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