Mepivacaine Injection

What is this medication?

MEPIVACAINE (me PIV a kane) prevents or treats pain, including during a procedure. It works by numbing a specific area of the body, which blocks pain signals going to the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called local anesthetics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Carbocaine, Polocaine, Polocaine MPF

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• G6PD deficiency
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure
• Lung disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to mepivacaine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into the affected area. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Acetaminophen
• Certain antibiotics, such as dapsone, nitrofurantoin, aminosalicylic acid, sulfonamides
• Certain medications for blood pressure
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid
• Chloroquine
• Cyclophosphamide
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• Flutamide
• Hydroxyurea
• Ifosfamide
• MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Metoclopramide
• Nitric oxide
• Nitroglycerin
• Nitroprusside
• Nitrous oxide
• Other local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Primaquine
• Quinine
• Rasburicase
• Sulfasalazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

Be careful to avoid injury while the area is numb, and you are not aware of pain.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
• Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.