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Carbocaine HCl

Generic Name: mepivacaine (me PIV a kane)
Brand Name: Carbocaine HCl, Polocaine, Polocaine-MPF, Scandonest

What is Carbocaine HCl (mepivacaine)?

Mepivacaine is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain.

Mepivacaine is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic for an epidural or spinal block. It is also used as an anesthetic for dental procedures.

Mepivacaine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Carbocaine HCl (mepivacaine)?

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from mepivacaine.


What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Carbocaine HCl (mepivacaine)?

You should not receive mepivacaine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

To make sure mepivacaine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver or kidney disease;

  • low or high blood pressure;

  • heart disease or a history of stroke;

  • heart rhythm disorder;

  • coronary artery disease;

  • epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  • a drug allergy; or

  • if you regularly use any medicines (especially to treat migraine headache, depression, or mental illness).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mepivacaine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether mepivacaine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is mepivacaine given?

For an epidural or spinal block, mepivacaine is injected into an area of your lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

For a dental procedure, mepivacaine is injected into the gum area inside your mouth. You will receive this injection in a dentist's office or oral surgery setting.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs may be watched closely while you are receiving mepivacaine.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes. This includes sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from mepivacaine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since mepivacaine is given as needed before a surgery or other medical procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?


Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, seizure (convulsions), shallow breathing, or slow heart rate.

What should I avoid after receiving Carbocaine HCl (mepivacaine)?

After your dental procedure, avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking hot liquids until the feeling in your mouth has returned completely. Mepivacaine can cause numbness for a long period of time. Chewing while your mouth is numb could result in a bite injury to your tongue, lips, or inside of your cheek.

Carbocaine HCl (mepivacaine) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, skin redness; nausea, vomiting, sweating, feeling hot; fast heartbeats; sneezing, difficult breathing; dizziness, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

  • numbness and tingling in your mouth or lips, metallic taste in your mouth;

  • ringing in your ears, blurred vision, slurred speech, headache;

  • confusion, depression, severe drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out;


  • fever, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light;

  • tremors or muscle twitching, feeling anxious or restless;

  • ongoing numbness, weakness, or loss of movement in your legs or feet;

  • loss of bladder or bowel control;

  • loss of feeling in your lower stomach, groin, or genitals;

  • painful or difficult urination; or

  • fast heart rate, rapid breathing, feeling hot.

Common side effects may include:

  • anxiety, feeling restless or excited;

  • depression, dizziness;

  • tremors; or

  • blurred vision, ringing in your ears.


See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Carbocaine HCl (mepivacaine)?


More about Carbocaine HCl (mepivacaine)

Consumer resources

Professional resources

Other formulations

Related treatment guides

Where can I get more information?

  • Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about mepivacaine.

Copyright 1996-2012 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.01. Revision Date: 2014-05-12, 7:20:38 AM.