Mepivacaine

Generic name: mepivacaine [ me-PIV-a-kane ]
Brand names: Carbocaine HCl, Polocaine, Polocaine-MPF, Scandonest, Carbocaine, Polocaine DENTAL
Dosage form: injectable solution (1.5% preservative-free; 1%; 1% preservative-free; 2%; 2% preservative-free; 3%)
Drug class:Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 2, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is mepivacaine?

Mepivacaine is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain.

Mepivacaine is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic for an epidural or spinal block. It is also used as an anesthetic for dental procedures.

Mepivacaine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from mepivacaine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive mepivacaine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

To make sure mepivacaine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease;

• low or high blood pressure;

• heart disease or a history of stroke;

• heart rhythm disorder;

• coronary artery disease;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a drug allergy; or

• if you regularly use any medicines (especially to treat migraine headache, depression, or mental illness).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mepivacaine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using mepivacaine.

It is not known whether mepivacaine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is mepivacaine given?

For an epidural or spinal block, mepivacaine is injected into an area of your lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

For a dental procedure, mepivacaine is injected into the gum area inside your mouth. You will receive this injection in a dentist's office or oral surgery setting.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs may be watched closely while you are receiving mepivacaine.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes. This includes...