Mepivacaine

Mepivacaine In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• The mechanism of action of local anaesthetics relies on the reversible inhibition of the sodium channel, which effectively hinders the transmission of action potentials along the nerve fibre.
• Selective sensory blockade at low doses can be achieved by blocking sensory nerve fibres before motor nerve fibres.

Uses of Mepivacaine

• The analgesic effect can be achieved by blocking the sensory nerves through perineural or local infiltration.
• The administration of substances into joints with the purpose of delivering analgesic effects within the joint space.

Dose of Mepivacaine in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• Inject the minimal volume required to achieve an effect.
• 2 mg/kg of the 2% solution injected into the elbow joint prior to arthroscopy was found to decrease the haemodynamic response to surgery in dogs.
• Toxic doses of mepivacaine have not been established in companion animals.

Side Effects of Mepivacaine in Dogs and Cats

• Inadvertent i.v. injection may cause convulsions and/or cardiac arrest.

Contraindications of Mepivacaine in Dogs and Cats

• Mepivacaine should not be injected i.v.

Some Notes:

• Mepivacaine is believed to possess lower intrinsic vasodilator activity compared to lidocaine, hence suggesting its potential to be less irritating to tissues.
• The substance in question has comparable potency to lidocaine, albeit with a slightly extended duration of effect, lasting approximately 100 to 120 minutes.
• The prolongation of its action does not necessitate the addition of adrenaline.