bupivacaine + fentanyl + epinephrine

This investigational epidural analgesic combination is being studied by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center for the management of labor pain. The formulation consists of three small molecule components: **bupivacaine**, a local anesthetic; **fentanyl**, a potent opioid analgesic; and **epinephrine**, a vasoconstrictor used as an adjuvant. The combination is administered via epidural bolus and continuous infusion to provide regional anesthesia and analgesia during childbirth. Bupivacaine works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels to inhibit nerve impulse conduction, while fentanyl acts as an agonist at mu-opioid receptors to provide neuraxial analgesia. Epinephrine serves to prolong the duration of the local anesthetic effect and reduce systemic absorption through its vasoconstrictive properties. The primary focus of the clinical research (NCT01497509) is to evaluate the dose-dependent effects of intrapartum epidural fentanyl on neonatal feeding behaviors and breastfeeding success at the time of hospital discharge.

Other names

epidural fentanyl/bupivacaine/epinephrine solutionintrapartum epidural fentanyl combination