bupivacaine + levobupivacaine (University Hospital Basel)

The drug entry **bupivacaine + levobupivacaine** refers to the comparative use or combination of two local anesthetic agents: bupivacaine, a racemic mixture of R(+) and S(-) enantiomers, and levobupivacaine, the pure S(-)-enantiomer. Both compounds are small-molecule local anesthetics that function by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in peripheral nerve fibers, thereby inhibiting the generation and conduction of nerve impulses to provide regional analgesia. In clinical research, such as the Phase 4 trial (NCT00970086) sponsored by University Hospital Basel, these agents are compared for their efficacy and safety in postoperative pain management. Specifically, the trial evaluates ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block using levobupivacaine versus standard caudal block using bupivacaine in pediatric patients undergoing inguinal surgery. Levobupivacaine is often preferred in clinical practice due to its potentially improved safety profile, characterized by reduced cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity compared to racemic bupivacaine, while maintaining similar anesthetic potency.

Other names

bupivacaine and levobupivacaine