Carbocaine-v

Local anesthetic (mepivacaine) for nerve blocks and regional anesthesia in horses and small animals; perineural injections for equine lameness workups. Amide-type local anesthetic (mepivacaine HCl). Mechanism: reversibly blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in axon membranes → inhibits sodium influx → prevents depolarization and nerve impulse conduction. Intermediate onset and duration (~90–180 min); no vasoconstrictor needed. Does not cross-react with ester-type local anesthetics. Key information Local anesthetic — aspirin syringe before injecting (avoid intravascular injection). Do NOT use epinephrine-containing formulations in horses for perineural use. Maximum dose calculation required. Not for IV use. Store at room temperature.

Regional/local anesthesia: administer by infiltration, nerve block, epidural, or field block as appropriate. Aspirate before injection to avoid intravascular injection. Use minimum effective volume. Onset: 3–5 min; duration: 90–180 min. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed This medication is administered by a veterinarian or veterinary staff in a clinical setting. Missed doses are managed by your veterinary team — contact your veterinarian to reschedule.

CNS toxicity (if intravascular injection): excitement, tremors, seizures, respiratory depression. Cardiovascular: hypotension, bradycardia, arrhythmias (with intravascular injection). Local tissue effects: myopathy at injection site with high volumes. Methemoglobinemia (very rare with amide class).

For animals Regional anesthesia — do not inject intravascularly (cardiac arrest risk). Aspirate before injection. Monitor for signs of toxicity (CNS excitation, arrhythmias). Use minimum effective volume and concentration. For people handling this medication Administered by veterinary professionals only. No specific human precautions for caregivers beyond normal hygiene.

This is a veterinary emergency. Local anesthetic overdose can cause cardiovascular toxicity and seizures. Contact your veterinary team immediately.