Exparel (Pacira BioSciences)

Exparel is a long-acting local anesthetic formulation consisting of bupivacaine encapsulated within multivesicular liposomes using the proprietary DepoFoam technology. Developed by Pacira BioSciences, it is designed to provide prolonged postsurgical analgesia for up to 72 hours by slowly releasing the active ingredient into the surgical site. Bupivacaine, a small molecule local anesthetic, works by binding to and blocking voltage-gated sodium channels on the internal surface of nerve cell membranes. This action prevents the influx of sodium ions, thereby inhibiting the generation and conduction of nerve impulses and effectively blocking pain signal transmission. Exparel was first approved by the FDA in 2011 for single-dose infiltration into the surgical site and has since been expanded for use in various regional analgesic techniques, such as interscalene brachial plexus nerve blocks.

Brand names

Exparel

Other names

liposomal bupivacainebupivacaine liposome injectable suspensionbupivacaine liposomal