Mepivacaine
Mepivacaine is a local anesthetic of the amide type that provides temporary numbness by blocking nerve signals in a specific area of the body. It is commonly used for dental procedures, minor surgeries, and nerve blocks to manage pain during medical interventions. The medication acts locally without causing general sedation, allowing patients to remain awake during procedures.
Mepivacaine is a local anesthetic that numbs a specific area during medical or dental procedures by blocking nerve signals.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01BB03
- RxNorm
- 6759
- Generic
- Mepivacaine
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Carbocaine with NeoCobefrin, Carbocaine, Scandonest, Polocaine
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, 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
- 50-100mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose per procedure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5-6mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose per procedure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 30-50mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose per procedure
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; use only when clearly needed
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid prolonged use; monitor for uterine activity
fetal heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
temporary discontinuation not typically required; monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
observe infant for sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use lower doses due to increased sensitivity; monitor for cardiovascular and CNS effects
blood pressure and heart rate monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2-12 yearsweight-based dosing; max 5-6 mg/kg
use appropriate pediatric formulations; do not exceed recommended maximum dose
monitor for signs of toxicity
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno major dose adjustment needed
use with caution; monitor for accumulation
clinical monitoring for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeconsider dose reduction
use with extreme caution; extended monitoring required
close monitoring for toxicity signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution due to reduced metabolism
monitor for prolonged effects and toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severesignificant dose reduction recommended
use only if benefits outweigh risks; extended monitoring essential
intensive monitoring for toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for mepivacaine
Drug class
ATC classification N01BB02
Mechanism of action
Prevents nerve impulse transmission
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Used for local and regional anesthesia in dental procedures such as fillings, extractions, and root canals; minor surgical procedures; nerve blocks; and local infiltration anesthesia. It is available in plain form and with epinephrine for longer duration of action.
Functions as a sodium channel blocker in nerve fibers, preventing the generation and transmission of nerve impulses. This blockade results in temporary loss of sensation and motor function in the targeted area without affecting consciousness.
Should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to amide-type anesthetics. Systemic absorption may cause central nervous system or cardiovascular toxicity; use with caution in patients with cardiac conduction abnormalities. Plain solutions have shorter duration than those containing epinephrine. Safety in pregnancy and pediatric use should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy