Liposomal encapsulation of bupivacaine that provides sustained drug release over 72h from a single injection, blocking voltage-gated sodium channels and preventing pain signal transmission for significantly longer than standard bupivacaine (4–8h).
At a glance
Class
Extended-Release Local Anesthetic
Storage
Refrigerate 2–8°C; can be at room temperature up to 30 days; do not freeze; gently invert to mix — do not shake
Dosing
FDA-approved for post-operative analgesia at surgical sites in dogs
Frequency
Once per surgical site
FDA-approved for cats (onychectomy/declaw — where still performed)
Safety
Pain scores for 72h post-surgerySurgical site healingSigns of systemic toxicity
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Bupivacaine Liposome?
Bupivacaine Liposome is a extended-release local anesthetic used in pets. Liposomal encapsulation of bupivacaine that provides sustained drug release over 72h from a single injection, blocking voltage-gated sodium channels and preventing pain signal transmission for significantly longer than standard bupivacaine (4–8h).
›What is Bupivacaine Liposome used for in pets?
Bupivacaine Liposome is used in veterinary medicine for: FDA-approved for post-operative analgesia at surgical sites in dogs; FDA-approved for cats (onychectomy/declaw — where still performed).
›What is the Bupivacaine Liposome dose for dogs?
For dogs, Bupivacaine Liposome is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for post-operative analgesia at surgical sites in dogs: 5.3 mg/kg PO Once per surgical site. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Bupivacaine Liposome dose for cats?
For cats, Bupivacaine Liposome is typically dosed as follows — FDA-approved for cats (onychectomy/declaw — where still performed): 5.3 mg/kg Local infiltration Once. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Bupivacaine Liposome need a prescription?
Yes. Bupivacaine Liposome is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
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.
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