Articaine
Articaine is an amide-type local anesthetic used to induce temporary numbness in specific areas of the body during dental and minor surgical procedures. It works by blocking nerve signals in the targeted region, providing pain relief during procedures such as extractions, fillings, and other surgical interventions.
Articaine is a local anesthetic used to numb tissues during dental and minor surgical procedures.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01BB08
- RxNorm
- 592464
- Generic
- Articaine
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Orabloc, Ultacan, Cyklx, Septocaine, Zorcaine, Articadent
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- ophthalmic
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid routine use during first trimester; use only if benefits clearly outweigh potential risks
regular prenatal monitoring if use is necessary
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only when needed for dental procedures; avoid elective procedures
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose, avoid high doses
use with caution; prolonged use or high doses may affect fetal heart rate
fetal monitoring during prolonged procedures
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding; no need to interrupt breastfeeding
none required
pediatric_age
children 2-12 yearsdose based on weight, max 7mg/kg
use weight-based dosing; do not exceed maximum recommended dose
standard pediatric monitoring
geriatric
over 65 yearsreduce dose by 25-50%
use lower doses due to increased sensitivity and reduced metabolism
monitor for signs of toxicity and cardiovascular effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno significant adjustment needed for mild-moderate
use standard doses with caution; monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeconsider dose reduction
use reduced doses and avoid repeated administrations
close monitoring of renal function and for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderateuse with caution, no major dose reduction for mild
monitor for signs of accumulation; use lower doses for moderate
monitor liver function and for toxicity signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid or use minimal doses
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment due to impaired metabolism
close monitoring if use is absolutely necessary
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Articaine is classified as an amide-type local anesthetic
FDA approval year
Year Articaine was approved for use in the United States
Primary indication
Primary clinical use for dental procedures
Onset of action
Time to onset of anesthetic effect
Articaine is primarily used for local anesthesia in dental procedures including tooth extractions, fillings, root canal treatments, and oral surgeries. It may also be used for other minor surgical or diagnostic procedures requiring localized numbness and pain control.
As an amide local anesthetic, Articaine blocks the generation and conduction of nerve impulses by increasing the threshold for electrical excitation in nerve fibers, slowing the propagation of nerve impulses, and reducing the rate of depolarization, resulting in temporary localized numbness in the administered area.
Should only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals. Duration of action varies based on dosage and whether a vasoconstrictor is included. Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to amide anesthetics. May cause systemic effects if absorbed in large amounts or administered intravascularly. Pregnancy category C; use during pregnancy only if benefits outweigh risks.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy