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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
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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
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 →

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
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 →

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).
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

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.
dogcat
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