Drug Interactions between levobupivacaine and Sensorcaine-MPF Spinal

GENERALLY AVOID: Additive toxicities may occur when bupivacaine is coadministered with other local anesthetics. The potential for increased risk of systemic toxicities such as methemoglobinemia and central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse reactions should be recognized.

MANAGEMENT: Additional use of local anesthetics should generally be avoided within 96 hours following administration of bupivacaine. If coadministration cannot be avoided, overall local anesthetic exposure through 72 hours must be considered in addition to monitoring for the development of methemoglobinemia as well as central nervous system and cardiovascular adverse reactions. Signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia may be delayed some hours after drug exposure. Patients or their caregivers should be advised to seek medical attention if they notice signs and symptoms of methemoglobinemia such as slate-grey cyanosis in buccal mucous membranes, lips, and nail beds; nausea; headache; dizziness; lightheadedness; lethargy; fatigue; dyspnea; tachypnea; tachycardia; palpitation; anxiety; and confusion. In severe cases, patients may progress to central nervous system depression, stupor, seizures, acidosis, cardiac arrhythmias, syncope, shock, coma, and death. Early warning signs of central nervous system toxicity may include restlessness, anxiety, incoherent speech, dizziness, lightheadedness, numbness and tingling of the mouth and lips, metallic taste, tinnitus, blurred vision, tremors, twitching, depression, and drowsiness. Cardiovascular toxicity may include atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and decreased cardiac output and arterial blood pressure due to depressed cardiac conductivity, excitability, and myocardial contractility. Patients should have cardiovascular and respiratory vital signs and state of consciousness constantly monitored while under treatment.