bupivacaine + epinephrine (Medical University of South Carolina)

EPI25 is a specific investigational formulation of bupivacaine and epinephrine evaluated in clinical trials conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina. It is designed for use as a spinal anesthetic (intrathecal administration) in patients undergoing orthopedic procedures, such as total hip or knee replacements necessitated by arthropathy. The formulation consists of 3 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine supplemented with 0.025 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine (referred to as an epinephrine wash) and 0.075 mL of sterile saline. Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that functions by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, thereby preventing the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. Epinephrine is an alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist added to the mixture to induce local vasoconstriction, which reduces the systemic absorption of bupivacaine from the intrathecal space and consequently prolongs the duration of the spinal block.

Other names

Epinephrine Wash for Bupivacaine Spinal Block