AHFS Class:

72:00 Local Anesthetics

Generic Name

• Mepivacaine Hydrochloride

Mepivacaine hydrochloride is available as a preservative-free solution in concentrations of 1, 1.5, and 2% (10, 15, and 20 mg/mL, respectively) in single-dose vials with sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride in water for injection and sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.³⁹²⁶

Mepivicaine hydrochloride is also available in 50-mL multiple-dose vials with methylparaben 1 mg/mL as a preservative in concentrations of 1 and 2% (10 and 20 mg/mL, respectively) with sodium chloride in water for injection and sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment.³⁹²⁶

These solutions are labeled as not intended for spinal anesthesia or dental use;³⁹²⁶ other preparations intended for dental use are available.⁴

pH

From 4.5 to 6.8.³⁹²⁶

Osmolality

Mepivacaine hydrochloride injection is isotonic.³⁹²⁶

Trade Name(s)

Carbocaine, Polocaine, Polocaine-MPF

Mepivacaine hydrochloride may be administered by local infiltration and by injection for peripheral or central nerve block.³⁹²⁶ For central nerve block, including caudal and lumbar epidural block, preservative-free formulations should be used; products containing preservatives should not be administered by these routes.³⁹²⁶

Mepivacaine hydrochloride is administered undiluted; however, for infiltration into large areas, the 1% solution may be diluted to a concentration of 0.5% with sodium chloride injection.³⁹²⁶

Mepivacaine hydrochloride in intact containers should be stored at controlled room temperature.³⁹²⁶ Single-dose vials contain no preservative; unused portions should be discarded.³⁹²⁶

Mepivacaine hydrochloride is a clear, colorless solution; do not use if the solution is discolored or contains particulate matter.³⁹²⁶

Autoclaving

Mepivacaine hydrochloride single- and multiple-dose vials may be autoclaved repeatedly at 121°C and 15 psi for 15 minutes.³⁹²⁶ However, mepivacaine hydrochloride in dental cartridges should not be subjected to autoclaving because of breakdown of the dental cartridge closures.⁴

Syringes

The stability of mepivacaine (salt form unspecified) 10 mg/mL repackaged in polypropylene syringes was evaluated. Little change in concentration was found after four weeks of storage at room temperature not exposed to direct light.²¹⁶⁴

Drugs in Syringe Compatibility

For a list of references cited in the text of this monograph, search the monograph titled References.

ASHP^® Injectable Drug Information^TM. Selected Revisions October 31, 2023. © Copyright, 2025. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.