Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: EXPAREL versus POLOCAINE.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: EXPAREL versus POLOCAINE.
EXPAREL vs POLOCAINE
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Liposomal bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that blocks sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, inhibiting nerve impulse conduction and providing prolonged analgesia.
Local anesthetic that stabilizes the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the influx of sodium ions, thereby blocking nerve impulse propagation.
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.
100 mg orally every 12 hours
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life is 12-48 hours (mean ~24 hours), reflecting prolonged release from the multivesicular liposome depot.
Terminal elimination half-life approximately 1.5-2.0 hours in adults; prolonged to 3-5 hours in hepatic impairment and neonates.
Renal (approximately 96% as metabolites, <10% unchanged). Biliary/fecal excretion is negligible.
Hepatic metabolism to 2,6-xylidine and 4-hydroxy-2,6-xylidine; <10% excreted unchanged in urine; approximately 70-80% of metabolites excreted renally, with <5% in feces.
Category C
Category C
Local Anesthetic
Local Anesthetic