Generic name

bupivacaine HCL
2.5
mg/ml (0.25%) o
r
5mg/ml (0.5%) in
10-ml ampoule

Brand name
Sensorcaine

Drug
classification

Mechanism of
Action

Pharmacologic
:
Amino Amide

Blocks the generation

and the conduction of
nerve impulses.

Therapeutic:
Local anesthetic

Clinically, the order of

loss of nerve function
is as follows: (1) pain,
(2) temperature, (3)
touch, (4)
proprioception, and
(5) skeletal muscle
tone.

Indications
For the
production of
local or regional
anesthesia or
analgesia for
surgery.

Adverse Reaction
CNS: Mild dizziness or
drowsiness.

Nursing Responsibilities

SKIN: Severe allergic

reactions (rash; hives;
itching)
RESPI: Difficulty
breathing; tightness in
the chest;

EYES: Blurred vision;

changes in hearing;

CIRCU: chest pain;

excitement; irregular
heartbeat;
OTHERS: Numbness
that lasts for more than a
few hours; restlessness;
ringing in the ears;
seizures; tremors;
vomiting.

Monitor vital signs.

When appropriate, patients
should be informed in
advance that they may
experience temporary loss of
sensation and motor activity,
usually in the lower half of
the body following proper
administration of caudal or
lumbar epidural anesthesia.
Facilities and equipment for
resuscitation should be
readily available at all times.
High blood levels of
bupivacaine must be avoided
in patients with hepatic
impairment.