liposomal bupivicaine (bupivacaine liposome)

Liposomal bupivacaine is an extended-release formulation of the local anesthetic bupivacaine, designed to provide prolonged postsurgical analgesia. Developed by Pacira BioSciences using the DepoFoam multivesicular liposomal delivery technology, the drug encapsulates bupivacaine within a lipid matrix, allowing for a slow, sustained release of the active ingredient over several days. Bupivacaine functions as a sodium channel blocker, binding to the intracellular portion of voltage-gated sodium channels to prevent the influx of sodium ions, thereby inhibiting nerve impulse initiation and conduction. This mechanism results in local anesthesia and analgesia at the site of administration. It is FDA-approved for local infiltration, interscalene brachial plexus nerve block, and great auricular nerve block to manage postoperative pain.

Brand names

Exparel

Other names

liposomal bupivacainebupivacaine liposomalbupivacaine extended-release liposome injection