Marcaine (Bupivacaine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to numb one area during surgery or diagnostic procedures. Numbing an area during a procedure leads to loss of sensation of touch, temperature, pain, and deep pressure. The active ingredient in Marcaine is Bupivacaine hydrochloride. Bupivacaine hydrochloride belongs to a class of drugs called local anesthetics. It works by reducing the flow of sodium in and out of the nerves. This decreases the initiation and transfer of nerve signals in the area where the drug is applied. The concentration of the drug will determine how quickly it starts working.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Marcaine also called Marcain from the United Kingdom manufactured by AstraZeneca in the strength of 0.5% vials. The generic Bupivacaine hydrochloride is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Marcaine. The most common side effects of Marcaine may include the following:
• Incontinence or difficulty in passing urine;
• Incontinence;
• Low blood pressure;
• Nausea;
• Numbness of the tongue
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Breathing difficulties;
• Seizures;
• Severe itching of the skin;
• Severe or sudden swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles;
• Very low blood pressure that can make you faint or collapse
These are not all of the side effects of Marcaine. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not receive Marcaine if you are allergic to Bupivacaine hydrochloride or any ingredient in Marcaine. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a skin infection close to where the injection will be administered;
• Have blood clotting problems;
• Have blood poisoning;
• Have cardiogenic shock;
• Have fluid in your lungs;
• Have hypovolaemic shock;
• Have intracranial hemorrhage;
• Have liver, kidney, or heart problems;
• Have problems with your spinal cord due to anemia
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Marcaine and other medicines, especially other local anesthetics, amiodarone, chlorpromazine, ergometrine, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Local anesthetics like Marcaine may harm an unborn baby. This drug should only be used in pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Bupivacaine hydrochloride is excreted in breast milk, and it may affect a nursing infant. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication when breastfeeding. Use Marcaine precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Bupivacaine hydrochloride is an injection administered by your doctor slowly. Marcaine may make you feel sleepy and affect the speed of your reactions. Avoid driving or using tools or machines until the effects of the drug wear off. Store in a refrigerator (20C – 80C). Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
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