Anaesthesia · Amide local anaesthetic
Bupivacaine
Dose
Max 2 mg/kg (up to 150 mg) plain; heavy 0.5% for spinal anaesthesia.
Contraindications
- • Never use for IV regional anaesthesia (Bier's block)
Use
Long-acting infiltration, nerve and neuraxial blockade.
Monitoring
Aspirate before injection; monitor for LAST — perioral tingling, tinnitus, seizures, arrhythmia.
Side effects
- • Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity
- • Cardiac arrest resistant to resuscitation
- • Hypotension after spinal
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
