Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARESTOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE versus EXPAREL.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ARESTOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE versus EXPAREL.
ARESTOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE vs EXPAREL
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Arestocaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic of the amide type. It stabilizes the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of impulses, thereby effecting local anesthesia.
Liposomal bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, inhibiting nerve impulse conduction and providing prolonged analgesia.
2-5 mg/kg intramuscularly every 60-90 minutes, not to exceed 500 mg total dose in a 12-hour period.
Local infiltration: up to 266 mg (20 mL) as a single dose; interscalene brachial plexus block: up to 133 mg (10 mL); femoral nerve block: up to 133 mg (10 mL). Maximum dose 266 mg. Administer via slow injection with frequent aspiration.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 1.5–2 hours in adults with normal hepatic and renal function; prolonged in hepatic impairment or congestive heart failure.
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-48 hours (mean ~24 hours), reflecting prolonged release from the multivesicular liposome depot.
Renal excretion of unchanged drug and metabolites; approximately 90% excreted in urine as parent compound and metabolites (60% as unchanged drug, 30% as metabolites), with less than 10% fecal elimination.
Renal (approximately 96% as metabolites, <10% unchanged). Biliary/fecal excretion is negligible.
Category C
Category C
Local Anesthetic
Local Anesthetic