Local anesthetics like bupivacaine hydrochloride block the generation and the conduction of nerve impulses.
Systemic absorption produces effects on the cardiovascular system.
Following systemic absorption, local anesthetics can produce CNS stimulation, depression or both. The rate of systemic absorption depends on total dose, concentration of the drug, route of administration, vascularity of the injection site, and presence or absence of epinephrine in the anesthetic solution. Bupivacaine has a long duration of action. Substance Interactions Administration of local anesthetic solutions containing epinephrine or norepinehrine to patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants may produce severe, prolonged hypertension. Some commercially available formulations of bupivacaine hydrochloride contain metabisulfite.