MARCAIN POLYAMP STERIPACK Solution for injection Ref.[9275] Active ingredients: Bupivacaine

Posology

Adults and children above 12 years of age

The following table is a guide to dosage for the more commonly used techniques in the average adult. The figures reflect the expected average dose range needed. Standard textbooks should be consulted for factors affecting specific block techniques and for individual patient requirements.

N.B. 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 clinician’s experience and knowledge of the patient’s physical status is important in calculating the required dose. The lowest dose required for adequate anaesthesia should be used. Individual variations in onset and duration occur.

Table 1. Dosage recommendations for adults:

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 supraclavicular 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 ≤400 mg/24 h.
⁴ This solution is often used for epidural administration in combination with a suitable opioid for pain management. In total ≤400 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.
⁶ There have been post-marketing reports of chondrolysis in patients receiving post-operative intra-articular continuous infusion of local anaesthetics. Marcain is not approved for this indication (see also section 4.4).
⁷ Marcain without adrenaline.

In general, surgical anaesthesia (e.g. epidural administration) requires the use of higher concentrations and doses. When a less intense block is required (e.g. in the relief of labour pain), the use of a lower concentration is indicated. The volume of drug 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. 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. (See section 4.8.1)

Experience to date indicates that 400 mg administered over 24 hours is well tolerated in the average adult.

Paediatric population 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.

Table 2. Dosage recommendations for children 1 to 12 years of age:

^a Thoracic epidural blocks need to be given by incremental dosage until the desired level of anaesthesia is achieved.
^b The onset and duration of peripheral nerve blocks depend on the type of block and the dose administered.

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 7.5-12.5 mg 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 Marcain with and without adrenaline in children aged <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.

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. (See sections 4.8.1 & 4.8.2).

24 months.

Store below 30°C. Do not freeze.

10 ml and 20 ml polypropylene ampoules Polyamp^R. Cartons contain 5 or 10 ampoules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

For single use only. Discard any unused solution. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.