Imagine you have a minor surgery, like a tooth extraction or a skin tumor removal. Then the doctor numbs the area where the surgery is being performed and does the work so that you don't feel any pain, right? Today we are going to talk about a special medicine that is used in such cases. This is a medicine that is usually given in a hospital or clinic and used by doctors. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.
What is this anesthetic? (Bupivacaine; Epinephrine)
Simply put, this is a local anesthetic, which means it numbs the area where the injection is given and the area around it temporarily, without numbing the entire body. This means you won't feel any pain.
There are two main types of this vaccine:
1. Bupivacaine: This is what numbs the skin, meaning you don't feel pain.
2. Epinephrine: This is added for two reasons. One is to make the sting last longer. The other is to constrict the small blood vessels at the injection site, reducing bleeding during surgery.
So, thanks to the combination of both, the doctor can treat you safely without causing you any pain.
Things you should tell your doctor before giving you medicine
Before giving you this vaccine, your doctor will ask about your health. However, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor. This is very important for your safety.
- Diabetes or high blood sugar levels.
- G6PD deficiency: This is a hereditary condition that some people are born with.
- Any type of heart disease .
- High blood pressure .
- Low blood pressure .
- Any liver or kidney disease.
- Lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD).
- Thyroid disease .
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a nursing mother .
- If you have allergies to this medicine or any other medicine, food, dye, or preservative.
The more complete your health history is, the safer he or she will be able to treat you.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home or buy from a pharmacy.
This is a vaccine that is always given in a hospital or clinic by a qualified doctor or trained health professional, so you don't need to worry about using it.
- For children: It is used in some special cases for young children over 12 years of age. But it is done with great care and special precautions.
- For the elderly: People over the age of 65 may feel the effects of this medicine a little stronger. Therefore, the doctor usually lowers the dose they are given.
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if this happens in any way or if you think you have received too much medicine, inform the medical staff immediately. In case of an emergency, you should go directly to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . If you need advice on a poisoning, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for details.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
If you are taking medication for other conditions, it is very important to tell your doctor about it. Because some medications can interact with this painkiller and cause unwanted side effects. The table below shows some medications that may interact in this way.
| Drug category | Examples and descriptions |
|---|---|
| Painkillers and antibiotics | Some medications such as acetaminophen, dapsone, and nitrofurantoin. |
| Heart disease and blood pressure medications | Various medications used to control heart rate and blood pressure. (Example: Nitroglycerin) |
| Medication for mental health | Medications for conditions such as depression and anxiety, especially MAOI drugs. |
| Medicines for seizures | Medications such as phenobarbital and phenytoin. |
| Other anesthetics and medications | Other anesthetics used during surgery include nitrous oxide, and other local anesthetics such as lidocaine. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking. Also tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be careful about after taking the medicine
After you get this injection, you need to be a little careful about the numb area. Because you don't feel the pain, you could injure that area without realizing it.
For example, if you have a tooth extraction and your gums are sore, you should be careful not to bite your cheek or drink hot drinks until the soreness has completely gone away. Also, if you have a sore on your skin, protect that area from being hit or scratched.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor or nurse immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Effects on the central nervous system | Breathing slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowSlow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slow slowSlow slowAbsent-mindedness, confusion. |
| Methemoglobinemia | Difficulty breathing; Headache; Lips, nails, or skin turning pale, gray, or blue; Extreme fatigue. |
| Seizures | Sudden convulsions. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Anxiety or restlessness | Feeling a strange sense of anxiety. |
| Drowsiness | You may feel a little sleepy. |
| Nausea and vomiting | Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Bupivacaine; Epinephrine is a local anesthetic injection that is given only by a doctor in a hospital or clinic to relieve pain.
- Before receiving this vaccine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease) and all medications you take.
- After the injection, be sure to protect the area from injury. Since you don't feel pain, you can inadvertently injure yourself.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, never hesitate to ask your doctor about it.
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