Acute Systemic Toxicity
The use of the drug in accordance with the recommendations does not lead to a concentration of the drug in the plasma, at which systemic toxic manifestations may occur. However, when the drug is used in combination with other local anesthetics, acute systemic toxicity can develop through the addition of toxic effects.
Like other local anesthetics, bupivacaine can cause acute toxic reactions from the central nervous and cardiovascular systems, if its use for local anesthesia leads to a high concentration of the drug in the blood. Especially it can be manifested in the case of an unintended intravascular administration. Against the background of a high concentration of bupivacaine in the plasma, cases of ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, sudden cardiovascular collapse and death were documented. However, the doses normally used for intrathecal anesthesia do not result in a high systemic concentration of the drug.
From the central and peripheral nervous system
With the use of bupivacaine, intoxication manifests itself gradually as signs and symptoms of impaired central nervous system function with an increasing degree of severity. Initial manifestations of intoxication are: paresthesia around the mouth, dizziness, numbness of the tongue, pathologically increased perception of ordinary sounds and tinnitus. Impaired vision and tremor are more serious signs and precede the development of generalized seizures. These phenomena should not be mistakenly regarded as neurotic behavior. Following them, loss of consciousness and the development of large convulsive seizures, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes. After the onset of seizures as a result of increased muscular activity and disruption of the normal breathing process, hypoxia and hypercapnia. In severe cases, it can developsleep apnea. Acidosis infromoozetoxic effect of local anesthetics. These phenomena are due to the redistribution of local anesthetic from the central nervous system and the metabolism of the drug. Coping toxic effects can occur quickly, unless anesthetic has been introduced in a very large amount.
Acute Systemic Toxicity Treatment
When the first signs of acute systemic toxicity or the total spinal block appear, discontinue the drug immediately and conduct symptomatic therapy of cardiovascular and neurological (seizures, CNS depression) disorders.
In the event of cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation should immediately be used.
It is vital to maintain lung ventilation, blood circulation and adequate oxygenation, and also to correct acidosis.
When oppressing the activity of the cardiovascular system (arterial hypotension, bradycardia), intravenous injection of 5-10 mg of ephedrine is necessary, which, if necessary, can be repeated after 2-3 minutes.
Children It is necessary to enter a dose of ephedrine in accordance with their age and weight.
When seizures occur, therapy should be provided to maintain the cardiovascular system, provide adequate oxygenation and arrest seizures. If necessary, provide oxygen supply and artificial ventilation of the lungs (using an Ambu bag or intubation of the trachea). If the convulsions do not stop for 15-20 seconds,should use anticonvulsants: thiopental sodium 1-3 mg / kg IV provides rapid arrest of seizures; you can use 0.1 mg / kg diazepam IV (the effect develops more slowly compared with the action of thiopental). Prolonged convulsions can interfere with ventilation and oxygenation. In such cases, for rapid arrest of seizures, intubation of the trachea and administration of a muscle relaxant (eg, succinylcholine 1 mg / kg) can be used.