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Carbocaine HCl

Generic name: mepivacaineme-PIV-a-kane ]
Brand names: Polocaine, Polocaine DENTAL, Polocaine-MPF, Scandonest, Carbocaine HCl
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Carbocaine HCl?

Carbocaine HCl is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain.

Carbocaine HCl is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic for an epidural or spinal block. It is also used as an anesthetic for dental procedures.

Carbocaine HCl may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Carbocaine HCl side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, skin redness; nausea, vomiting, sweating, feeling hot; fast heartbeats; sneezing, difficult breathing; dizziness, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

Common side effects of Carbocaine HCl may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from Carbocaine HCl.

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Carbocaine HCl if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

To make sure Carbocaine HCl is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Carbocaine HCl will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Carbocaine HCl.

It is not known whether mepivacaine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is Carbocaine HCl given?

For an epidural or spinal block, Carbocaine HCl is injected into an area of your lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.

For a dental procedure, Carbocaine HCl is injected into the gum area inside your mouth. You will receive this injection in a dentist's office or oral surgery setting.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs may be watched closely while you are receiving Carbocaine HCl.

Spinal numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes. This includes sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from Carbocaine HCl.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Carbocaine HCl is given as needed before a surgery or other medical procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Tell your caregivers right away if you think you have received too much of Carbocaine HCl.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, seizure (convulsions), shallow breathing, or slow heart rate.

What should I avoid after receiving Carbocaine HCl?

After your dental procedure, avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking hot liquids until the feeling in your mouth has returned completely. Carbocaine HCl can cause numbness for a long period of time. Chewing while your mouth is numb could result in a bite injury to your tongue, lips, or inside of your cheek.

What other drugs will affect Carbocaine HCl?

Other drugs may interact with mepivacaine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.