Carbocaine

Generic Name: mepivacaine (me PIV a kane)

Brand Names: Carbocaine, Carbocaine HCl, Polocaine, Polocaine-MPF

What is Carbocaine (mepivacaine)?

Mepivacaine is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain.

Mepivacaine is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic for an epidural or spinal block. It is also used as an anesthetic for dental procedures.

Mepivacaine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Carbocaine (mepivacaine)?

You should not receive mepivacaine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, high or low blood pressure, asthma or a sulfite allergy, a history of heart disease or stroke, heart block or coronary artery disease, a heart rhythm disorder, or a thyroid disorder.

This medication can cause numbness for an extended period of time. Avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking hot liquids until the feeling in your mouth has returned completely. Chewing while your mouth is numb could result in a bite injury to your tongue, lips, or inside of your cheek.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from mepivacaine.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Carbocaine (mepivacaine)?

You should not receive mepivacaine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

Before receiving mepivacaine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;


• kidney disease;


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  low or high blood pressure;

  
  


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  asthma or a sulfite allergy;

  
  


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  a history of heart disease or stroke;

  
  


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  heart block or coronary artery disease;

  
  


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  a heart rhythm disorder; or

  
  


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  a thyroid disorder.

  
  

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special precautions to safely receive mepivacaine.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive mepivacaine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether mepivacaine passes into breast or if it could harm a nursing baby. Before you receive mepivacaine, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is mepivacaine given?

Mepivacaine is given as an injection placed into an area of your lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

When used for a dental procedure, mepivacaine is given as an injection that is usually placed into the gum area inside your mouth. You will receive this injection in a dentist's office or oral surgical setting.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from mepivacaine. Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs may be watched closely while you are receiving mepivacaine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since mepivacaine is given as needed before a surgery or other medical procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, fainting, seizure (convulsions), shallow breathing, or slow heart rate.

What should I avoid after receiving Carbocaine (mepivacaine)?

This medication can cause numbness for an extended period of time. Avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking hot liquids until the feeling in your mouth has returned completely. Chewing while your mouth is numb could result in a bite injury to your tongue, lips, or inside of your cheek.

Carbocaine (mepivacaine) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling or puffiness of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  weak or shallow breathing;

  
  


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  feeling like you might pass out;

  
  


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  sweating, anxiety, confusion;

  
  


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  blurred vision, ringing in your ears;

  
  


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  numbness or tingling around your mouth;

  
  


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  slow heart rate, weak pulse;

  
  


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  metallic taste in your mouth;

  
  


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  tremors, muscle twitching; or

  
  


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  seizure (convulsions).

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  nausea, vomiting;

  
  


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  nervousness;

  
  


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  dizziness; or

  
  


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  drowsiness.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Carbocaine (mepivacaine)?

Before receiving mepivacaine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

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  cold medicine, diet pills, stimulants, or medication to treat ADHD;

  
  


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  medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder (Haldol, Inapsine, Thorazine, Prolixin, Serentil, Mellaril, and others);

  
  


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  medication to treat nausea and vomiting, such as Compazine or Motillium;

  
  


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  ergot medicine such as ergotamine (Ergomar, Cafergot), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergonovine (Ergotrate), or methylergonovine (Methergine);

  
  


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  an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or

  
  


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  antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others.

  
  

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with mepivacaine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

More Carbocaine resources

• Carbocaine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Carbocaine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Carbocaine Drug Interactions
• Carbocaine Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Carbocaine - Add your own review/rating

• Carbocaine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Carbocaine Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Mepivacaine Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Carbocaine with other medications

• Local Anesthesia

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about mepivacaine.

See also: Carbocaine side effects (in more detail)