What is the maximum dose of 0.5% bupivacaine (Marcaine) for local administration?

From the Research

The maximum recommended dose of 0.5% marcaine (bupivacaine) is 2 mg/kg body weight, not to exceed 175 mg total. For an average 70 kg adult, this translates to about 35 mL of 0.5% marcaine. When administering:

• Calculate the dose based on the patient's actual weight
• Use the lowest effective dose
• Inject slowly and in incremental doses
• Aspirate before each injection to avoid intravascular administration The maximum dose is lower for elderly, debilitated, or acutely ill patients. Reduce the dose by about 25-50% in these cases. Marcaine is a long-acting local anesthetic. Its duration of action is 2-8 hours, depending on the site of injection and whether epinephrine is added. The drug works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing the propagation of action potentials and thus inhibiting pain sensation. Unfortunately, none of the provided studies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 directly address the maximum dose of 0.5% bupivacaine for local administration, but based on general medical knowledge and standard practice, the recommended dose is as stated above.