Zorcaine

Generic name: Articaine and Epinephrine [ AR-ti-kane-& ep-i-NEF-rin ]
Brand names: Articadent, Orabloc, Septocaine with Epinephrine 1:100, 000, Septocaine with Epinephrine 1:200, 000, Zorcaine
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 25, 2024.

Uses of Zorcaine:

It is used before dental care to numb the area.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Zorcaine?

If you have an allergy to articaine, epinephrine, or any other part of Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine).
If you are allergic to Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine); any part of Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have a sulfite allergy, talk with your doctor.
If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed for at least 4 hours after getting Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine).

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Zorcaine?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Do not eat while your mouth feels numb. You may bite your tongue.
A severe blood problem called methemoglobinemia has happened with drugs like this one. The risk may be raised in people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, heart problems, or lung problems. The risk may also be raised while taking certain other drugs and in infants younger than 6 months of age. Tell your doctor if you have ever had methemoglobinemia.
If you are 65 or older, use Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine) with care. You could have more side effects.
Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine) while you are pregnant.

How is this medicine (Zorcaine) best taken?

Use Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Your doctor will give Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine).
It is given as a shot into the gums.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

This medicine will be given on an as needed basis in a healthcare setting.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of methemoglobinemia like a blue or gray color of the lips, nails, or skin; a heartbeat that does not feel normal; seizures; very bad dizziness or passing out; very bad headache; feeling very sleepy; feeling tired or weak; or shortness of breath. This effect is rare but may be deadly if it happens.
Seizures.
Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
Chest pain.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Restlessness.
Anxiety.
Ringing in ears.
Dizziness or passing out.
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, confused, or having blurred eyesight.
Shakiness.
Low mood (depression).
Numbness or tingling in or around the mouth that lasts or gets worse.

What are some other side effects of Zorcaine?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Irritation where the shot is given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Zorcaine?

If you need to store Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Zorcaine (articaine and epinephrine), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.