Guidelines for Adult Epidural Catheter Dosing Regimen*
- Recommended adult dose for epidural bupivacaine (should not exceed 400 mg in 24 hr)
- Surgical dermatome: Catheter placement
- Lumbar (total knee, arthroplasty, or lower extremity bypass surgery)
- Low thoracic (exploratory laparotomy, or xiphopubic incision)
- Mid to high thoracic (thoracotomy or sternotomy)
*Rate of infusion, 2–10 mL/hr.