SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Bupivacaine 5mg/ml Solution for Injection
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
For 2.5mg/ml
Each ml contains 2.5 mg of Bupivacaine hydrochloride monohydrate
Each vial with 10ml solution contains 25mg of bupivacaine hydrochloride
monohydrate.
Each vial with 20ml solution contains 50mg of bupivacaine hydrochloride
monohydrate.
For 5mg/ml
Each ml contains 5 mg of Bupivacaine hydrochloride monohydrate
Each vial with 10ml solution contains 50mg of bupivacaine hydrochloride
monohydrate.
Each vial with 20ml solution contains 100mg of bupivacaine hydrochloride
monohydrate.
Excipient(s) with known effect:
Each ml of the solution contains 3.15 mg of Sodium.
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Solution for injection.
A clear, colourless, aqueous, sterile solution.
pH of the solution is between 4.0 and 6.5 and osmolarity is 290 mOsmol/Litre.
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
For the production of local anaesthesia by peripheral nerve block(s) and
central neural block (caudal or epidural), that is, for specialist use in situations
where prolonged anaesthesia is required. Bupivacaine is also indicated for the
relief of labour pain.
Paediatric Population:
Bupivacaine- is indicated for
• Surgical anaesthesia in adults and adolescents
• Acute pain management in adults, infants and children above 1 year of age
4.2 Posology and method of administration
Posology
The dosage varies and depends upon the area to be anaesthetised, the
vascularity of the tissues, the number of neuronal segments to be blocked,
individual tolerance and the technique of anaesthesia used. The lowest dosage
needed to provide effective anaesthesia should be administered. For most
indications, the duration of anaesthesia with Bupivacaine solutions is such that
a single dose is sufficient.
The maximum dosage must be determined by evaluating the size and physical
status of the patient and considering the usual rate of systemic absorption from
a particular injection site. Experience to date indicates a single dose of up to
150mg bupivacaine hydrochloride monohydrate. Doses of up to 50mg 2-
hourly may subsequently be used. A maximum dose of 2mg/kg should not be
exceeded in any four-hour period.
When prolonged blocks are used, either by continuous infusion or by repeated
bolus administration, the risks of reaching a toxic plasma concentration or
inducing a local neural injury must be considered.
The dosages in the following table are recommended as a guide for use in the
average adult. Individual variations in onset and duration occur. For young,
elderly or debilitated patients, these doses should be reduced.
Dosage recommendations for adults
Conc Volume Dose mg Onset Duration
mg/ml ml min hours
Surgical Anaesthesia
Lumbar Epidural Administration1
Surgery 5 15-30 75-150 15-30 2-3
Caesarean 5 15-30 75-150 15-30 2-3
Section
Thoracic Epidural Administration1
Surgery 2.5 5-15 12.5-37.5 10-15 1.5-2
5 5-10 25-50 10-15 2-3
1
Caudal Epidural Block
2.5 20-30 50-75 20-30 1-2
5 20-30 100-150 15-30 2-3
Major Nerve 5 10-35 50-150 10-30 4-8
Block2
(e.g. brachial
plexus,
femoral,
sciatic)
Field block 2.5 <60 <150 1-3 3-4
(e.g. minor 5 <30 < 150 1-10 3-8
nerve blocks
and
infiltration)
Acute Pain Management
Lumbar Epidural Administration
Intermittent 2.5 6-15 15-37.5 2-5 1-2
injections3 (Minimum (Minimu
(e.g. post- interval 30 m interval
operative pain minutes) 30
relief) minutes)
Continuous 2.5 5-7.5/h 12.5- - -
infusion4 18.8/h
Thoracic Epidural Administration
Continuous 2.5 4-7.5/h 10-18.8/h - -
infusion
Intra- 2.5 <40 <100 5-10 2-4 h
Articular after
Block5 wash out
(e.g.
following
knee
arthroscopy)
Field Block 2.5 <60 <150 1-3 3-4
(e.g. minor
nerve blocks
and
infiltration)
Notes:
1) Dose includes test dose.
2) The dose for a major nerve block must be adjusted according to
site of administration and patient status.
Interscalene and brachial plexus blocks may be associated with
a higher frequency of serious adverse reactions, regardless of
the local anaesthetic used, see also section 4.4.
3) In total <500 mg/24 h.
4) This solution is often used for epidural administration in
combination with a suitable opioid for pain management. In
total <500 mg/24 h.
5) If additional bupivacaine is used by any other techniques in the
same patient, an overall dose limit of 150 mg should not be
exceeded.
In general, surgical anaesthesia (e.g. epidural administration) requires the use
of higher concentrations and doses. When a less intense block is required, the
use of a lower concentration is indicated. The volume of medicinal product
used will affect the extent of spread of anaesthesia.
In order to avoid intravascular injection, aspiration should be repeated prior to
and during administration of the main dose, which should be injected slowly
or in incremental doses, at a rate of 25-50 mg/min, while closely observing the
patient's vital functions and maintaining verbal contact. When an epidural dose
is to be injected, a preceding test dose of 3-5 ml bupivacaine containing
adrenaline (epinephrine) is recommended.
An inadvertent intravascular injection may be recognised by a temporary
increase in heart rate and an accidental intrathecal injection by signs of a
spinal block. If toxic symptoms occur, the injection should be stopped
immediately.
Paediatric patients 1 to 12 years of age
Paediatric regional anaesthetic procedures should be performed by qualified
clinicians who are familiar with this population and the technique.
The doses in the table should be regarded as guidelines for use in paediatrics.
Individual variations occur. In children with a high body weight a gradual
reduction of the dosage is often necessary and should be based on the ideal
body weight. Standard textbooks should be consulted for factors affecting
specific block techniques and for individual patient requirements. The lowest
dose required for adequate analgesia should be used.
Dosage recommendations for children
Conc. Volume Dose Onset Duration
mg/ml ml/kg mg/kg min of effects
hours
Acute Pain Management (pre- and Postoperative)
Caudal Epidural 2.5 0.6-0.8 1.5-2 20-30 2-6
Administration
Lumbar 2.5 0.6-0.8 1.5-2 20-30 2-6
Epidural
Administration
Thoracic 2.5 0.6-0.8 1.5-2 20-30 2-6
Epidural
Administrationb)
Field Block 2.5 0.5-2.0
(eg, minor nerve
blocks and
infiltration) 5.0 0.5-2.0
Peripheral Nerve 2.5 0.5-2.0 a)
Blocks
(e.g ilioinguinal –
iliohypogastric) 5.0 0.5-2.0 a)
a) The onset and duration of peripheral nerve blocks depend on the type of
block and the dose administered.
b) Thoracic epidural blocks need to be given by incremental dosage until the
desired level of anaesthesia is achieved.
In children the dosage should be calculated on a weight basis up to 2 mg/kg.
In order to avoid intravascular injection, aspiration should be repeated prior to
and during administration of the main dose. This should be injected slowly in
incremental doses, particularly in the lumbar and thoracic epidural routes,
constantly and closely observing the patient’s vital functions.
Peritonsillar infiltration has been performed in children above 2 years of age
with bupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml at a dose of 7.5-12.5mg per tonsil.
Ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric blocks have been performed in children aged 1
year or older with bupivacaine 2.5 mg/ml at a dose of 0.1-0.5 ml/kg equivalent
to 0.25-1.25 mg/kg. Children aged 5 years or older have received bupivacaine
5 mg/ml at a dose of 1.25-2 mg/kg.
For penile blocks bupivacaine 5 mg/ml has been used at total doses of 0.2-0.5
ml/kg equivalent to 1-2.5 mg/kg.
The safety and efficacy of Bupivacaine in children < 1 year of age have not
been established. Only limited data are available.
Safety and efficacy of intermittent epidural bolus injection or continuous
infusion have not been established. Only limited data is available.
Method of administration
The medicinal product is for epidural use, intraarticular use, subcutaneous use
or perineural use only.
4.3 Contraindications
Bupivacaine is contra-indicated in patients with hypersensitivity to
bupivacaine hydrochloride monohydrate, local anaesthetic agents of the amide
type or to any of the other excipients listed in section 6.1.
Solutions of bupivacaine hydrochloride monohydrate are contra-indicated for
intravenous regional anaesthesia (Bier's-block) and obstetrical paracervical block.
Injection of adrenaline containing bupivacaine in areas of end arteries (e.g.
penile block, Oberst block) may cause ischemic tissue necrosis.
The following general contraindications should be taken into consideration in
case of epidural anaesthesia.
- active acute diseases of the Central Nervous System such as meningitis,
tumours, poliomyelitis and intracranic hemorrhage.
- Spinal stenosis and active disease of the spinal column (for example:
spondylitis, tuberculosis, tumours) or recent traumatic events (for example
fractures)
- Septicaemia.
- pernicious anemia associated with sub-acute degeneration of the bone
marrow
- pyogenic infection of the skin in the site of injection or in the surrounding
area
- cardiogenic or hypovolemic shock
- coagulation disorders or current anticoagulant treatments.
Note: No specific contraindications were identified for paediatric patients.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
General precautions and risk of bupivacaine use:
There have been reports of cardiac arrest during the use of bupivacaine for epidural
anaesthesia or peripheral nerve blockade where resuscitative efforts have been
difficult, and were required to be prolonged before the patient responded. However,
in some instances resuscitation has proven impossible despite apparently adequate
preparation and appropriate management.
Like all local anaesthetic medicinal products, bupivacaine may cause acute toxicity
effects on the central nervous and cardiovascular systems if utilised for local
anaesthetic procedures resulting in high blood concentrations of the medicinal
product. This is especially the case after unintentional intravascular administration.
Ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, sudden cardiovascular collapse and
death have been reported in connection with high systemic concentrations of
bupivacaine.
Major peripheral nerve blocks may require the administration of a large volume of
local anaesthetic in areas of high vascularity, often close to large vessels where there
is an increased risk of intravascular injection and/or systemic absorption. This may
lead to high plasma concentrations.
Before any nerve block is attempted, intravenous access for resuscitation purposes
should be established. Clinicians should have received adequate and appropriate
training in the procedure to be performed and should be familiar with the diagnosis
and treatment of side effects, systemic toxicity or other complications (see section
4.9).
Adequate resuscitation equipment should be available whenever local or general
anaesthesia is administered. The clinician responsible should take the necessary
precautions to avoid intravascular injection (see section 4.2).
Overdosage or accidental intravenous injection may give rise to toxic reactions.
Injection of repeated doses of bupivacaine hydrochloride may cause significant
increases in blood levels with each repeated dose due to slow accumulation of the
medicinal product. Tolerance varies with the status of the patient. Debilitated, elderly
or acutely ill patients should be given reduced doses commensurate with their
physical status.
Patients at risk, and Risk associated with certain anaesthesia techniques :
Patients treated with anti-arrhythmic medicinal products class III (e.g. amiodarone)
should be under close surveillance and ECG monitoring, since cardiac effects may be
additive.
Only in rare cases have amide local anaesthetics been associated with allergic
reactions (in most severe instances anaphylactic shock).
Patients allergic to ester-type local anaesthetic medicinal products (procaine,
tetracaine, benzocaine, etc.) have not shown cross-sensitivity to agents of the amide
type such as bupivacaine.
Local anaesthetics should be used with caution for epidural anaesthesia in patients
with impaired cardiovascular function since they may be less able to compensate for
functional changes associated with the prolongation of A-V conduction produced by
these medicinal products.
Since bupivacaine is metabolised in the liver, it should be used cautiously in patients
with liver disease or with reduced liver blood flow.
The physiological effects generated by a central neural blockade are more
pronounced in the presence of hypotension. Patients with hypovolaemia due to any
cause can develop sudden and severe hypotension during epidural anaesthesia.
Epidural anaesthesia should therefore be avoided or used with caution in patients with
untreated hypovolaemia or significantly impaired venous return.
Epidural anaesthesia with any local anaesthetic can cause hypotension and
bradycardia which should be anticipated and appropriate precautions taken. These
may include pre-loading the circulation with crystalloid or colloid solution. If
hypotension develops it should be treated with a vasopressor such as ephedrine 10-15
mg intravenously. Severe hypotension may result from hypovolaemia due to
haemorrhage or dehydration, or aorto-caval occlusion in patients with massive
ascites, large abdominal tumours or late pregnancy. Marked hypotension should be
avoided in patients with cardiac decompensation.
Patients with hypovolaemia due to any cause can develop sudden and severe
hypotension during epidural anaesthesia.
Epidural anaesthesia can cause intercostal paralysis and patients with pleural
effusions may suffer respiratory embarrassment. Septicaemia can increase the risk of
intraspinal abscess formation in the postoperative period.
Small doses of local anaesthetics injected into the head and neck, including
retrobulbar, dental and stellate ganglion blocks, may produce systemic toxicity due to
inadvertent intra-arterial injection.
Retrobulbar injections may very rarely reach the cranial subarachnoid space causing
serious/severe reactions, including temporary blindness, cardiovascular collapse,
apnoea, convulsions.
Retro- and peribulbar injections of local anaesthetics carry a low risk of persistent
ocular muscle dysfunction. The primary causes include trauma and/or local toxic
effects on muscles and/or nerves. The severity of such tissue reactions is related to the
degree of trauma, the concentration of the local anaesthetic and the duration of
exposure of the tissue to the local anaesthetic. For this reason, as with all local
anaesthetics, the lowest effective concentration and dose of local anaesthetic should
be used.
Particular caution is to be taken in case of injecting local anaesthetics into inflamed or
infected areas.
The medicinal product contains sodium.
Each ml of the solution contains 3.15 mg (0.14 mmol) of Sodium. To be taken
into consideration by patients on a controlled sodium diet.
Paediatric population:
For Epidural anaesthesia children should be given incremental doses
commensurate with their age and weight as especially epidural anaesthesia at a
thoracic level may result in severe hypotension and respiratory impairment.
The use of bupivacaine for intra-articular block in children 1 to 12 years of age
has not been documented.
The use of bupivacaine for major nerve block in children 1 to 12 years of age
has not been documented.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Bupivacaine should be used with caution in patients receiving other local
anaesthetics or agents structurally related to amide-type local anaesthetics, e.g.
certain anti-arrhythmics, such as lidocaine and mexiletine, since the systemic
toxic effects are additive.
Specific interaction studies with bupivacaine and anti-arrhythmic medicinal
product class III (e.g. amiodarone) have not been performed, but caution
should be advised, (see also Section 4.4).
Cases of severe hypotension are reported when clonidine was mixed with local
anaesthetics like bupivacaine in blocks. Combinations with ketamine may
cause neurotoxicity.
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There is a limited amount of data from the use of bupivacaine in human
pregnancy. Animal studies have shown decreased pup survival and
embryotoxic effects (see section 5.3). The potential risk for human is
unknown. Bupivacaine injection should therefore not be given in pregnancy
unless the benefits are considered to outweigh the risks.
Use in obstetrics
Bupivacaine solutions are contraindicated for use in paracervical block in
obstetrics, because foetal bradycardia may occur following paracervical block
(see section 4.3).
Breast-feeding
Bupivacaine enters the mother's milk, but in such small quantities that there is
no risk of affecting the child at therapeutic dose levels.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Bupivacaine has negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
However, it should be borne in mind that dizziness and seizures may occur.
4.8 Undesirable effects
Serious systemic adverse reactions are rare, but may occur in connection with over-
dosage (see section 4.9) or unintentional intravascular injection.
Bupivacaine causes systemic toxicity similar to that observed with other local
anaesthetic agents. It is caused by high plasma concentrations as a result of excessive
dosage, rapid absorption or, most commonly, inadvertent intravascular injection.
Pronounced acidosis or hypoxia may increase the risk and severity of toxic reactions.
Such reactions involve the central nervous system (CNS) and the cardiovascular
system. CNS reactions are characterised by numbness of the tongue, light-
headedness, dizziness, blurred vision and muscle twitch, followed by drowsiness,
convulsions, unconsciousness and possibly respiratory arrest.
Cardiovascular reactions are related to depression of the conduction system of the
heart and myocardium leading to decreased cardiac output, heart block, hypotension,
bradycardia and sometimes ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular
tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Usually these will be preceded
or accompanied by major CNS toxicity, i.e. convulsions, but in rare cases cardiac
arrest has occurred without prodromal CNS effects.
Epidural anaesthesia itself can cause adverse reactions regardless of the local
anaesthetic agent used. These include hypotension and bradycardia due to
sympathetic blockade and/or vasovagal fainting.
In severe cases cardiac arrest may occur.
Accidental sub-arachnoid injection can lead to very high spinal anaesthesia possibly
with apnoea and severe hypotension.
Neurological damage is a rare but well recognised consequence of regional and
particularly epidural and spinal anaesthesia. It may be due to several causes, e.g.
direct injury to the spinal cord or spinal nerves, anterior spinal artery syndrome,
injection of an irritant substance, or an injection of a non-sterile solution. These may
result in localised areas of paraesthesia or anaesthesia, motor weakness, loss of
sphincter control and paraplegia. Occasionally these are permanent.
Hepatic dysfunction, with reversible increases of SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphates
and bilirubin, has been observed following repeated injections or long-term infusions
of bupivacaine. If signs of hepatic dysfunction are observed during treatment with
bupivacaine, the medicinal product should be discontinued.
Adverse reactions are presented according to the MedDRA system organ classes and
MedDRA frequency convention:
Very common (≥1/10)
Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)
Uncommon (≥1 /1,000 to < 1/100)
Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)
Very rare (<1/10,000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
MedDRA system organ Adverse Event Frequency
classification
Vascular disorders Hypotension Very common
Vascular disorders Hypertension Common
Cardiac disorders Bradycardia Common
Cardiac disorders Cardiac arrest, cardiac Rare
arrhythmia
Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea Very common
Gastrointestinal disorders Vomiting Common
Renal and urinary Urinary retention Common
disorders
Respiratory disorders Respiratory depression Rare
Eye disorders Diplopia Rare
Immune system disorders Allergic reactions, anaphylactic Rare
reactions/shock
Nervous system disorders Paraesthesia, dizziness Common
Nervous system disorders Signs and symptoms of CNS Uncommon
toxicity (convulsions, circumoral
paresthesia, numbness of the
tongue, hyperacusis, blurred
vision, unconsciousness, tremor,
light headedness, tinnitus,
dysarthria).
Nervous system disorders Neuropathy, periphery nerve Rare
injury, arachnoiditis
Paediatric population
Adverse drug reactions in children are similar to those in adults, however, in
children, early signs of local anaesthetic toxicity may be difficult to detect in
cases where the block is given during sedation or general anaesthesia.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal
product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk
balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report
any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme, Website:
www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
4.9 Overdose
Accidental intravascular injections of local anaesthetics may cause immediate
(within seconds to a few minutes) systemic toxic reactions. In the event of
overdose, systemic toxicity appears later (15-60 minutes after injection) due to
the slower increase in local anaesthetic blood concentration.
Acute systemic toxicity
Systemic toxic reactions primarily involve the central nervous system (CNS)
and the cardiovascular system. Such reactions are caused by high blood
concentrations of a local anaesthetic, which may appear due to (accidental)
intravascular injection, overdose or exceptionally rapid absorption from highly
vascularised areas (see section 4.4). CNS reactions are similar for all amide
local anaesthetics, while cardiac reactions are more dependent on the
medicinal product, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Signs of toxicity in
the central nervous system generally precede cardiovascular toxic effects,
unless the patient is receiving a general anaesthetic or is heavily sedated with
medicinal products such as benzodiazepine or barbiturate.
Central nervous system toxicity is a graded response with symptoms and
signs of escalating severity. The first symptoms are usually, circumoral
paraesthesia, numbness of the tongue, light-headedness, hyperacusis, tinnitus
and visual disturbances. Dysarthria, muscular twitching or tremors are more
serious and precede the onset of generalised convulsions. These signs must not
be mistaken for neurotic behaviour. Unconsciousness and grand mal
convulsions may follow, which may last from a few seconds to several
minutes. Hypoxia and hypercarbia occur rapidly following convulsions due to
the increased muscular activity, together with the interference with respiration
and possible loss of functional airways. In severe cases apnoea may occur.
Acidosis, hyperkalaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypoxia increase and extend the
toxic effects of local anaesthetics.
Recovery is due to redistribution of the local anaesthetic medicinal product
from the central nervous system and subsequent metabolism and excretion.
Recovery may be rapid unless large amounts of the medicinal product have
been injected.
Cardiovascular system toxicity may be seen in severe cases and is generally
preceded by signs of toxicity in the central nervous system. In patients under
heavy sedation or receiving a general anaesthetic, prodromal CNS symptoms
may be absent. Hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmia and even cardiac arrest
may occur as a result of high systemic concentrations of local anaesthetics, but
in rare cases cardiac arrest has occurred without prodromal CNS effects.
In children, early signs of local anaesthetic toxicity may be difficult to detect
in cases where the block is given during general anaesthesia.
Treatment of acute toxicity
If signs of acute systemic toxicity appear, injection of the local anaesthetic
should be immediately stopped.
Treatment of a patient with systemic toxicity consists of arresting convulsions
and ensuring adequate ventilation with oxygen, if necessary by assisted or
controlled ventilation (respiration). Convulsions should be treated promptly by
intravenous injection of an anticonvulsant.
Prolonged convulsions may jeopardise the patient's ventilation and
oxygenation. Early endotracheal intubation must be considered in such
situations.
Once convulsions have been controlled and adequate ventilation of the lungs
ensured, no other treatment is generally required. If hypotension is present,
however, a vasopressor, preferably one with inotropic activity, e.g. ephedrine
should be given intravenously.
If circulatory arrest should occur, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
should be instituted. Optimal oxygenation and ventilation and circulatory
support as well as treatment of acidosis are of vital importance.
If cardiovascular depression occurs (hypotension, bradycardia), appropriate
treatment with intravenous fluids, vasopressor, and or inotropic agents should
be considered. Children should be given doses commensurate with age and
weight.
Should cardiac arrest occur, a successful outcome may require prolonged
resuscitative efforts.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Anesthetics, local; Amides
ATC code: N01BB01.
Mechanism of action:
Bupivacaine is a potent amide local anaesthetic with a prolonged duration of
action. It affects sensory nerves more than motor nerves and is ideal for
producing analgesia without motor blockade.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
In adults, the terminal half-life of bupivacaine is 3.5 hours. The maximum
blood concentration varies with the site of injection and is highest after
intercostal nerve blockade.
Total dose, rather than concentration, is an important determinant of peak
blood levels.
Bupivacaine is biodegraded in the liver and only 6% is excreted unchanged in
the urine.
In children the pharmacokinetics is similar to that in adults.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, acute and subchronic
toxicity, non-clinical data reveal no special hazard other than those already
reported elsewhere in this document.
The mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of bupivacaine has not been
determined.
Bupivacaine crosses the placenta. In reproduction toxicity studies, decreased
survival of the offspring of rats and embryolethality was noted in rabbits at
bupivacaine doses, which were five- or nine-fold the maximum recommended
daily dose in humans. A study in rhesus monkeys suggested altered postnatal
behaviour following exposition to bupivacaine at birth.
6 PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Sodium chloride
0.4% Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)
0.85% hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)
Water for injections
6.2 Incompatibilities
Bupivacaine may precipitate if diluted with alkaline solutions and should not
be diluted or co-administered with sodium bicarbonate injections. This
medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products except
those mentioned in section 6.6.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years.
After first opening: To be used immediately.
After dilution: Chemical and physical in use stability has been demonstrated
for 36 hours at 25°C.
From a microbiological point of view the product should be used immediately.
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Store below 30°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
10 ml type I clear glass vial with bromobutyl rubber closure
20 ml type I clear glass vial with bromobutyl rubber closure
Pack sizes:
5, 10 X 10 ml Solution for Injection
1, 5, 10 X 20 ml Solution for Injection
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
For single use only.
The solution / dilution should be inspected visually prior to use.
Only clear solutions practically free from particles should be used.
Any unused solution should be discarded.
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in
accordance with local requirements.
Bupivacaine is compatible when admixed with Sodium Chloride 9 mg/ml
(0.9%) solution for injection, Ringer Lactate Solution and Sufentanil Citrate
50 μg/ml.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Baxter Healthcare Limited
Caxton Way
Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3SE, United Kingdom.
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 00116/0671
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE
AUTHORISATION
09/01/2018
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
27/02/2019