Exparel
Exparel is a long-acting local anesthetic formulation of bupivacaine that provides extended pain relief for up to 72 hours after surgery. It uses a proprietary multivesicular liposome technology to slowly release the medication at the surgical site, reducing the need for opioid pain medications. This medication is used to manage postsurgical pain in adults as part of a multimodal pain management approach.
Exparel is a slow-release local anesthetic injection used to manage moderate to severe pain for several days following surgery.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1191509
- Generic
- Exparel
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Exparel is indicated for single-dose infiltration into the surgical site to produce postsurgical local analgesia, and for interscalene brachial plexus nerve block to provide postsurgical analgesia following shoulder surgery. It is used in various surgical procedures including orthopedic, colorectal, bunionectomy, hemorrhoidectomy, and breast augmentation surgeries.
Exparel contains bupivacaine, a local anesthetic that blocks nerve signal transmission by inhibiting sodium channels in nerve fibers. The medication is encapsulated in multivesicular liposomes that gradually release bupivacaine over time, providing extended pain relief at the administration site for approximately 72 hours.
Exparel is for single-dose use only and should not be injected intravascularly. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bupivacaine or amide-type local anesthetics. Common side effects may include nausea, constipation, and vomiting. Healthcare providers should be aware of potential local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) and should have appropriate resuscitation equipment available.
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