Vivacaine Side Effects
Generic name: bupivacaine / epinephrine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 28, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Vivacaine Side Effects associated with bupivacaine / epinephrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Vivacaine.
Applies to bupivacaine / epinephrine: injection solution.
Serious side effects of Vivacaine
Along with its needed effects, bupivacaine/epinephrine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking bupivacaine / epinephrine:
Incidence not known
- anxiety
- blurred vision
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- chest pain or discomfort
- cold, clammy, pale skin
- confusion
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
- cough
- decrease in the frequency and amount of urine
- difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
- difficulty swallowing
- discouragement
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- drowsiness
- excitement
- false or unusual sense of well-being
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- feeling sad or empty
- general feeling of illness
- hearing loss
- hives, itching, skin rash
- inability to breathe without assistance
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- loss of interest or pleasure
- nausea
- painful urination
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- restlessness
- seizures
- severe headache
- shivering
- slow heart rate
- slowing of labor
- stiff neck or back
- sweating
- tightness in the chest
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weakness of the muscles in your face
Other side effects of Vivacaine
Some side effects of bupivacaine / epinephrine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- abnormal ejaculation
- decreased sexual performance or desire
- feeling of heat
- loss of bladder and bowel control
- loss of genital sensation and sexual function
- no sensation in the legs
- numbness
- unable to move the legs
For healthcare professionals
Applies to bupivacaine / epinephrine: injectable solution.
General adverse events
Reactions to this drug are characteristic of those associated with other amide-type local anesthetics. A major cause of side effects can me associated with excessive plasma levels which may be due to overdose, unintentional intravascular injection, or slow metabolic degradation.[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Very common (10% or more): Hypotension
- Common (1% to 10%): Bradycardia, hypertension
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia
- Frequency not reported: Severe hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, tachycardia, maternal hypotension, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmia, heart block, depression of myocardium[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Nausea
- Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting
- Frequency not reported: Difficulty swallowing, fecal incontinence, loss of bowel control[Ref]
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, dizziness
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Central nervous system toxicity, convulsions, circumoral paresthesia, numbness of tongue, hyperacusis, loss of consciousness, tremor, light-headedness, dysarthria
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Neuropathy, peripheral nerve injury, arachnoiditis, paresis, paraplegia
- Frequency not reported: Unconsciousness, grand mal convulsion, drowsiness, convulsion, slurred speech, syncope, headache, persistent anesthesia, weakness, paralysis, loss of sphincter control, cranial nerve palsie[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Common (1% to 10%): Urinary retention
- Frequency not reported: Urinary incontinence, loss of perineal sensation, loss of sexual function, loss of bladder control, labor slowed[Ref]
Other
- Frequency not reported: Tinnitus, sensations of heat, sensations of cold, numbness, edema, death, septic meningitis, meningismus, forcep delivery increased[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Frequency not reported: Cutaneous lesion, urticaria, excessive sweating, pruritus, erythema, angioedema, laryngeal edema[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle twitch
- Frequency not reported: Backache[Ref]
Metabolic
- Frequency not reported: Hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, acidosis, hypocalcemia[Ref]
Hepatic
- Frequency not reported: Hepatic dysfunction, ALT increased, AST increased[Ref]
Ocular
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vision disturbed
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Diplopia
- Frequency not reported: Vision blurred, pupils constricted[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Nervousness, apprehension, euphoria, confusion, agitation, excitation, depression, restlessness, anxiety[Ref]
Respiratory
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Respiratory depression
- Frequency not reported: Apnea, hypoxia, hypercarbia, respiratory arrest, sneezing[Ref]
Immunologic
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Allergic reaction, anaphylactic reaction/shock[Ref]
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
3. (2008) "Product Information. Marcaine HCl with Epinephrine (bupivacaine-epinephrine)." Hospira Inc
4. (2008) "Product Information. Sensorcaine-MPF with Epinephrine (bupivacaine-epinephrine)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
More about Vivacaine (bupivacaine / epinephrine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: local injectable anesthetics
Patient resources
Other brands
Marcaine HCl with Epinephrine, Sensorcaine with Epinephrine, Sensorcaine-MPF with Epinephrine
Professional resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Vivacaine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.