Bupivacaine API Manufacturers & Suppliers
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Bupivacaine | CAS No: 38396-39-3 | GMP-certified suppliers
A medication that provides reliable local and regional anesthesia and postsurgical analgesia across surgical, dental, and obstetrical procedures to support consistent perioperative pain control.
Therapeutic categories
Primary indications
- As an implant, bupivacaine is indicated in adults for placement into the surgical site to produce postsurgical analgesia for up to 24 hours following open inguinal hernia repair
- Bupivacaine, in liposome suspension, is indicated in patients aged 6 years and older for single-dose infiltration to produce postsurgical local analgesia
- In adults, it is also indicated as an interscalene brachial plexus nerve block to produce postsurgical regional analgesia
Product Snapshot
- Bupivacaine is an injectable small‑molecule local anesthetic available in standard, liposomal, and implant formulations for infiltration, regional blocks, and epidural use
- It is used for local and regional anesthesia and postsurgical analgesia across a range of surgical settings, including orthopedic, abdominal, dental, and soft‑tissue procedures
- It is approved in the US, Canada, and the EU, with both established products and some investigational presentations in development
Clinical Overview
Clinically, bupivacaine is indicated for postsurgical analgesia when used as an implant after open inguinal hernia repair, and as a single-dose infiltration analgesic in patients aged 6 years and older when formulated as a liposome suspension. In adults, the liposomal formulation is also used for interscalene brachial plexus nerve block. A combination product with meloxicam extends analgesia for up to 72 hours following select orthopedic and abdominal procedures. Conventional bupivacaine, alone or with epinephrine, is used for local or regional anesthesia in surgical, dental, diagnostic, and obstetrical settings, with concentration-dependent applicability to specific block types.
Bupivacaine produces sensory and motor blockade through inhibition of voltage‑gated sodium channels in neuronal membranes. By entering the neuron and binding to intracellular channel regions, it prevents sodium influx and stabilizes the membrane, generating a use‑dependent conduction block. Clinical loss of function progresses from pain perception to motor tone. Additional analgesic activity may relate to interactions with prostaglandin E2 EP1 receptors.
Bupivacaine has a long duration of action but exhibits dose‑dependent systemic toxicity. Elevated plasma concentrations can depress cardiac conduction and contractility, potentially causing arrhythmias, atrioventricular block, or cardiac arrest. Central nervous system stimulation or depression may also occur with systemic exposure. Cardiovascular toxicity has driven the adoption of less cardiotoxic analogs such as ropivacaine and levobupivacaine.
Key pharmacokinetic pathways include hepatic metabolism involving CYP3A and CYP2D6, with systemic absorption influenced by dose, vascularity of the injection site, and use of vasoconstrictors.
For API procurement, sourcing must ensure strict control of stereochemical purity, low residual solvents, and compliance with pharmacopeial specifications to support consistent potency, safety, and regulatory acceptability.
Identification & chemistry
| Generic name | Bupivacaine |
|---|---|
| Molecule type | Small molecule |
| CAS | 38396-39-3 |
| UNII | Y8335394RO |
| DrugBank ID | DB00297 |
Pharmacology
| Summary | Bupivacaine is an amide local anesthetic that blocks voltage‑gated sodium channels from the intracellular side, inhibiting action‑potential initiation and conduction to produce localized loss of sensation. Its channel block is use‑dependent, leading to sustained membrane stabilization and interruption of neurotransmission, with functional effects that follow the characteristic fiber‑size and myelination hierarchy. Additional activity at EP1 prostaglandin receptors may contribute to reduced inflammatory sensitization. |
|---|---|
| Mechanism of action | Like [lidocaine], bupivacaine is an amide local anesthetic that provides local anesthesia through blockade of nerve impulse generation and conduction.These impulses, also known as action potentials, critically depend on membrane depolarization produced by the influx of sodium ions into the neuron through voltage-gated sodium channels.Bupivacaine crosses the neuronal membrane and exerts its anesthetic action through blockade of these channels at the intracellular portion of their pore-forming transmembrane segments.The block is use-dependent, where repetitive or prolonged depolarization increases sodium channel blockade.Without sodium ions passing through the channel’s pore, bupivacaine stabilizes the membrane at rest and therefore prevents neurotransmission. In general, the progression of anesthesia is related to the diameter, myelination and conduction velocity of affected nerve fibers.Clinically, the order of loss of nerve function is as follows: (1) pain, (2) temperature, (3) touch, (4) proprioception, and (5) skeletal muscle tone. While it is well-established that the main action of bupivacaine is through sodium channel block, additional analgesic effects of bupivacaine are thought to potentially be due to its binding to the prostaglandin E2 receptors, subtype EP1 (PGE2EP1), which inhibits the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing fever, inflammation, and hyperalgesia. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Bupivacaine is a widely used local anesthetic agent. Bupivacaine is often administered by spinal injection prior to total hip arthroplasty. It is also commonly injected into surgical wound sites to reduce pain for up to 20 hours after surgery. In comparison to other local anesthetics it has a long duration of action. It is also the most toxic to the heart when administered in large doses. This problem has led to the use of other long-acting local anaesthetics:ropivacaine and levobupivacaine. Levobupivacaine is a derivative, specifically an enantiomer, of bupivacaine. Systemic absorption of local anesthetics produces effects on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. At blood concentrations achieved with therapeutic doses, changes in cardiac conduction, excitability, refractoriness, contractility, and peripheral vascular resistance are minimal. However, toxic blood concentrations depress cardiac conduction and excitability, which may lead to atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmias and to cardiac arrest, sometimes resulting in fatalities. In addition, myocardial contractility is depressed and peripheral vasodilation occurs, leading to decreased cardiac output and arterial blood pressure. Following systemic absorption, local anesthetics can produce central nervous system stimulation, depression or both. |
Targets
| Target | Organism | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium channel protein type 10 subunit alpha | Humans | inhibitor |
| Prostaglandin E2 receptor EP1 subtype | Humans | other/unknown |
ADME / PK
| Absorption | Systemic absorption of local anesthetics is dose- and concentration-dependendent on the total drug administered. Other factors that affect the rate of systemic absorption include the route of administration, blood flow at the administration site, and the presence or absence of epinephrine in the anesthetic solution. Bupivacaine formulated for instillation with [meloxicam] produced varied systemic measures following a single dose of varying strength. In patients undergoing bunionectomy, 60 mg of bupivacaine produced a C<sub>max</sub> of 54 ± 33 ng/mL, a median T<sub>max</sub> of 3 h, and an AUC<sub>∞</sub> of 1718 ± 1211 ng\*h/mL. For a 300 mg dose used in herniorrhaphy, the corresponding values were 271 ± 147 ng/mL, 18 h, and 15,524 ± 8921 ng\*h/mL. Lastly, a 400 mg dose used in total knee arthroplasty produced values of 695 ± 411 ng/mL, 21 h, and 38,173 ± 29,400 ng\*h/mL. |
|---|---|
| Half-life | 2.7 hours in adults and 8.1 hours in neonates. Bupivacaine applied together with [meloxicam] for postsurgical analgesia had a median half-life of 15-17 hours, depending on dose and application site. |
| Protein binding | Bupivacaine is ~95% protein bound. |
| Metabolism | Amide-type local anesthetics such as bupivacaine are metabolized primarily in the liver via conjugation with glucuronic acid. The major metabolite of bupivacaine is 2,6-pipecoloxylidine, which is mainly catalyzed via cytochrome P450 3A4. |
| Route of elimination | Only 6% of bupivacaine is excreted unchanged in the urine. |
Formulation & handling
- Parenteral-only local anesthetic requiring aqueous solution formulation despite low water solubility, often necessitating acidified vehicles to maintain solubility.
- Hydrophobic small‑molecule amide anesthetic with high logP, supporting sustained‑release or liposomal depot formats for infiltration use.
- Solutions are generally stable as sterile liquids but require protection from particulate contamination and pH shifts that can precipitate the free base.
Regulatory status
| Lifecycle | The product shows a mature market presence in the US, Canada, and EU, with most US patents expired between 2018 and 2021. Remaining US protection through 2029 suggests limited residual exclusivity while broader markets are largely in a post‑exclusivity phase. |
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| Markets | US, Canada, EU |
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Supply Chain
| Supply chain summary | Bupivacaine is produced by multiple established manufacturers, with packaging handled by a broad network of distributors, reflecting a mature and highly genericized supply base. Branded and unbranded products are available across the US, Canada, and the EU, indicating wide global market penetration. Most compound‑level patents have expired, and while one U.S. patent extends to 2029, the overall landscape supports existing generic competition. |
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Safety
| Toxicity | The mean seizure dosage of bupivacaine in rhesus monkeys was found to be 4.4 mg/kg with mean arterial plasma concentration of 4.5 mcg/mL. The intravenous and subcutaneous LD 50 in mice is 6 to 8 mg/kg and 38 to 54 mg/kg respectively. Recent clinical data from patients experiencing local anesthetic induced convulsions demonstrated rapid development of hypoxia, hypercarbia, and acidosis with bupivacaine within a minute of the onset of convulsions. These observations suggest that oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production are greatly increased during local anesthetic convulsions and emphasize the importance of immediate and effective ventilation with oxygen which may avoid cardiac arrest. |
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- Seizure liability is notable, with convulsive effects observed near 4–5 mg/kg (arterial plasma ~4
- 5 mcg/mL in primates)
- Associated metabolic disturbances include rapid-onset hypoxia, hypercarbia, and acidosis
Certificate of Suitability
CEP (also known as COS) is a certificate that proves that qualifies to the relevant monograph of the European Pharmacopoeia. It links the monograph in the Ph.Eur. to the API itself. A CEP is submitted by the manufacturer as part of the market authorization process, and they will become the CEP holder of the document. Being a European certificate, the CEP is granted by the EDQM but is recognized by other countries or institutes such as the FDA in the US. Furthermore, just like the DMF, the data as submitted in the CEP is handled strictly confidential and provides a centralized system recognized by many countries.
Bupivacaine is a type of Local anesthetics
Local anesthetics are a category of pharmaceutical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) commonly used to numb a specific area of the body during medical procedures or surgeries. They work by blocking the transmission of nerve signals, preventing the sensation of pain in the targeted region. Local anesthetics are vital for various medical applications, including dental procedures, minor surgeries, and childbirth.
The main mechanism of action for local anesthetics involves the reversible inhibition of sodium channels, which are responsible for the conduction of nerve impulses. By binding to these channels, local anesthetics prevent the influx of sodium ions, which blocks the generation and propagation of nerve signals. This results in temporary loss of sensation in the area where the medication is administered.
Local anesthetics can be categorized into two main types: esters and amides. Esters, such as procaine and benzocaine, are metabolized by plasma esterases, while amides, including lidocaine and bupivacaine, undergo hepatic metabolism. The choice of local anesthetic depends on factors such as the duration of action required, the specific procedure being performed, and the patient's medical history.
It is important to note that local anesthetics should be administered with caution, as they can have potential side effects, including allergic reactions, systemic toxicity, and nerve damage if used improperly. Therefore, proper dosage and administration techniques must be followed to ensure patient safety.
In summary, local anesthetics are essential pharmaceutical APIs used to temporarily block nerve signals, providing localized pain relief during medical procedures. Understanding the different types and their mechanisms of action allows healthcare professionals to select the most appropriate local anesthetic for each patient and procedure, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient comfort.
Bupivacaine API manufacturers & distributors
Compare qualified Bupivacaine API suppliers worldwide. We currently have 14 companies offering Bupivacaine API, with manufacturing taking place in 9 different countries. Use the table below to review supplier type, countries of origin, certifications, product portfolio and GMP audit availability.
| Supplier | Type | Country | Product origin | Certifications | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Healthcare Resourc... | Distributor | Singapore | Singapore | BSE/TSE, CEP, CoA, EDMF/ASMF, FDA, GMP, ISO9001, JDMF, KDMF, MSDS, USDMF, WC | 200 products |
| Asence Pharma | Producer | India | India | CoA, WC | 6 products |
| Cambrex, Karlskoga | Producer | Sweden | Sweden | CEP, CoA, FDA, GMP, USDMF | 8 products |
| Duchefa Farma B.V. | Distributor | Netherlands | Switzerland | CoA, GMP, ISO9001, MSDS | 170 products |
| Global Pharma Tek | Distributor | India | India | BSE/TSE, CoA, FDA, GMP, ISO9001, MSDS | 484 products |
| Gonane Pharma | Producer | India | India | BSE/TSE, CoA, GMP, MSDS | 166 products |
| LGM Pharma | Distributor | United States | World | BSE/TSE, CEP, CoA, GMP, MSDS, USDMF | 441 products |
| Medigraph Pharma | Producer | India | India | CEP, CoA, WC | 5 products |
| Moehs | Producer | Spain | Spain | CEP, CoA, EDMF/ASMF, GMP, USDMF | 50 products |
| Nortec Química | Producer | Brazil | Brazil | CoA, USDMF | 2 products |
| S.I.M.S. | Producer | Italy | Italy | CEP, CoA, FDA, GMP, USDMF | 18 products |
| Senova Technology Co., Lt... | Producer | China | China | CoA, GMP, ISO9001, USDMF | 157 products |
| Shandong Boyuan | Producer | China | China | BSE/TSE, CoA, MSDS | 55 products |
| Shandong Chenghui Shuangd... | Producer | China | China | BSE/TSE, CEP, CoA, GMP, ISO9001, WC | 98 products |
When sending a request, specify which Bupivacaine API quality you need: for example EP (Ph. Eur.), USP, JP, BP, or another pharmacopoeial standard, as well as the required grade (base, salt, micronised, specific purity, etc.).
Use the list above to find high-quality Bupivacaine API suppliers. For example, you can select GMP, FDA or ISO certified suppliers. Visit our help page to learn more about sourcing APIs via Pharmaoffer.
