Intermediate-acting amide local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing nerve impulse conduction. Similar potency to lidocaine but longer duration (2–3h vs 1–1.5h) and less vasodilation (no epinephrine needed).
At a glance
Class
Amide Local Anesthetic
Storage
Store at room temperature, protect from light
Dosing
Used for dental nerve blocks (inferior alveolar, infraorbital, mental nerve bloc
Route
Local infiltration, Regional nerve block
Frequency
Single administration
Used for feline dental blocks and local anesthesia
Route
Local infiltration, Regional nerve block
Frequency
Single administration
Safety
Total dose calculationSigns of systemic toxicity for 30 min post-administration
Interactions
No documented interactions.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
›What is Mepivacaine?
Mepivacaine is a amide local anesthetic used in pets. Intermediate-acting amide local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing nerve impulse conduction. Similar potency to lidocaine but longer duration (2–3h vs 1–1.5h) and less vasodilation (no epinephrine needed).
›What is Mepivacaine used for in pets?
Mepivacaine is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for dental nerve blocks (inferior alveolar, infraorbital, mental nerve bloc; Used for feline dental blocks and local anesthesia.
›What is the Mepivacaine dose for dogs?
For dogs, Mepivacaine is typically dosed as follows — Used for dental nerve blocks (inferior alveolar, infraorbital, mental nerve bloc: undefined undefined Local infiltration/Regional nerve block Single administration. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Mepivacaine dose for cats?
For cats, Mepivacaine is typically dosed as follows — Used for feline dental blocks and local anesthesia: undefined undefined Local infiltration/Regional nerve block Single administration. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›Does Mepivacaine need a prescription?
Yes. Mepivacaine 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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