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Bupivacaine

Prescription
Long-acting amide local anesthetic
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing initiation and propagation of nerve impulses; longer duration of action than lidocaine due to higher protein binding and lipophilicity

At a glance

Class
Long-acting amide local anesthetic
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from light, do not freeze

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Local/regional anesthesia (nerve blocks, epidural, wound infiltration)
Dose
1–2 mg/kg
Route
SC, perineural, epidural, intra-articular
Frequency
Single dose; onset 20–30 min, duration 4–8 hours
Max dose
2 mg/kg total dose/dose; 0 mg/kg total dose/day
Duration: Single administration; re-dose at minimum 6-hour intervals
🐈

Cat

Local/regional anesthesia (nerve blocks, epidural)
Dose
0.5–1.5 mg/kg
Route
SC, perineural, epidural
Frequency
Single dose; onset 20–30 min, duration 4–8 hours
Max dose
1.5 mg/kg total dose/dose; 0 mg/kg total dose/day
Duration: Single administration

Formulations

💉

Injectable solution — 2

Strength
0.25% (2.5mg/mL)
Available in India
Strength
0.5% (5mg/mL)
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from light, do not freeze

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • IV administration (not for IV use)
    Severe cardiotoxicity with accidental IV injection
  • Hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics

Adverse effects

Common
Local tissue reaction
Transient paresthesia
Serious
Cardiotoxicity (AV block, ventricular fibrillation) — more cardiotoxic than lidocaine
Seizures
Respiratory arrest

Monitoring parameters

Heart rate and rhythmSigns of CNS toxicityMotor and sensory block assessmentRespiratory rate

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Propranolol
moderate
Propranolol reduces hepatic blood flow (beta-blocker) and inhibits CYP enzymes, reducing bupivacaine clearance and increasing systemic toxicity risk.
Management: Use caution with bupivacaine doses in patients on beta-blockers. Reduce max dose. Ropivacaine may be safer alternative (less cardiotoxic).

Brands

International

Marcaine
Hospira/Pfizer
Sensorcaine
AstraZeneca

India

Anawin
Neon Laboratories
Sensorcaine
Zydus Cadila

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Bupivacaine?
Bupivacaine is a long-acting amide local anesthetic used in pets. Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing initiation and propagation of nerve impulses; longer duration of action than lidocaine due to higher protein binding and lipophilicity
›What is Bupivacaine used for in pets?
Bupivacaine is used in veterinary medicine for: Local/regional anesthesia (nerve blocks, epidural, wound infiltration); Local/regional anesthesia (nerve blocks, epidural).
›What is the Bupivacaine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Bupivacaine is typically dosed as follows — Local/regional anesthesia (nerve blocks, epidural, wound infiltration): 1–2 mg/kg SC/perineural/epidural/intra-articular Single dose; onset 20–30 min, duration 4–8 hours. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Bupivacaine dose for cats?
For cats, Bupivacaine is typically dosed as follows — Local/regional anesthesia (nerve blocks, epidural): 0.5–1.5 mg/kg SC/perineural/epidural Single dose; onset 20–30 min, duration 4–8 hours. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Bupivacaine?
Common: Local tissue reaction, Transient paresthesia. Serious (call your vet immediately): Cardiotoxicity (AV block, ventricular fibrillation) — more cardiotoxic than lidocaine, Seizures, Respiratory arrest.
›Does Bupivacaine need a prescription?
Yes. Bupivacaine is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Bupivacaine not be used?
Do not use Bupivacaine if: IV administration (not for IV use); Hypersensitivity to amide local anesthetics.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Long-acting amide local anesthetic).

Ropivacaine
Rx
S-enantiomer of bupivacaine with similar duration (4–8h) but significantly less cardiac toxicity. Blocks voltage-gated sodium channels. Greater sensory-motor differentiation — preferentially blocks sensory over motor fibers at lower concentrations.
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