Liposomal extended-release bupivacaine for postsurgical analgesia.

Abstract

When physicians consider which analgesia to use postsurgery, the primary goal is to relieve pain with minimal adverse side effects. Bupivacaine, a commonly used analgesic, has been formulated into an aqueous suspension of multivesicular liposomes that provide long-lasting analgesia for up to 72 hours, while avoiding the adverse side effects of opioids. The increased efficacy of liposomal extended-release bupivacaine, compared to bupivacaine hydrochloride, has promoted its usage in a variety of surgeries including hemorrhoidectomy, bunionectomy, inguinal hernia repair, total knee arthroplasty, and augmentation mammoplasty. However, like other bupivacaine formulations, the liposomal extended-release bupivacaine does have some side effects. In this brief review, we provide an update of the current knowledge in the use of bupivacaine for postsurgical analgesia.

• Authors: Mark Lambrechts, Michael J O'Brien, Felix H Savoie, Zongbing You
• Journal: Patient preference and adherence (Patient Prefer Adherence) Vol. 7 Pg. 885-90 (Sep 06 2013) ISSN: 1177-889X [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 24043932 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)