Plasma levels of bupivacaine were measured following lumbar epidural administration of 3 mg/kg of 0.5% plain solution in sixteen children. The peak levels were generally between 1.0 and 2 μg/ml, the highest being 2.9 μg/ml. No manifestations of toxicity were observed. There was a significant positive correlation between peak plasma levels and increasing age.
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3.
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YoshikawaK., MimaT., EgawaJ.Blood level of Marcaine in axillary plexus blocks, intercostal nerve blocks and epidural anaesthesia. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand1968; 12: 1.
6.
WilkinsonG.R., LundP.C.Bupivacaine levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid following peridural administration. Anesthesiology1970; 33: 482.
7.
MooreD.C., MatherL.G., BridenbaughP.O., BalfourR.L., LysonsD.F., HortonW.G.Arterial and venous plasma levels of bupivacaine following epidural and intercostal nerve blocks. Anesthesiology1976; 45: 39.
8.
RosenbergP.H., SaramiesL., AlilaA.Lumbar epidural anaethesia with bupivacaine in old patients: effect of speed and direction of injection. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand1981; 25: 270.
9.
SeowL.T., LipsF.J., CousinsM.J., MatherL.G.Lidocaine and bupivacaine mixtures for epidural blockade. Anesthesiology1982; 56: 177.
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KendigJ.J.Clinical Implications of the Modulated Receptor Hypothesis: Local Anesthetics and the Heart. Anesthesiology1985; 62: 382.
13.
ClarksonC.W., HondeghemL.M.Mechanism for bupivacaine depression of cardiac conduction: Fast block of sodium channels during the action potential with slow recovery from block during diastole. Anesthesiology1985; 62: 396.
