articaine and epinephrine

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Pronunciation: AR ti kane and EP i NEF rin

Brand: Septocaine

What is the most important information I should know about articaine and epinephrine?

You should not receive articaine and epinephrine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

What is articaine and epinephrine?

Articaine and epinephrine are anesthetics (numbing medicines). They work by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Articaine and epinephrine is a combination medicine used to numb your mouth for a dental procedure.

Articaine and epinephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving articaine and epinephrine?

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to any type of numbing medicine.

To make sure articaine and epinephrine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • a heart rhythm disorder;
  • low or high blood pressure;
  • asthma or a sulfite allergy; or
  • a history of seizures.

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

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

How is articaine and epinephrine given?

Articaine and epinephrine is given as an injection that is usually placed into the gum area inside your mouth. You will receive this injection in a dentist's office or oral surgical setting.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since articaine and epinephrine is given as needed before a dental procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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

What should I avoid after receiving articaine and epinephrine?

This medication can cause numbness for an extended period of time. Avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking hot liquids until the feeling in your mouth has returned completely. Chewing while your mouth is numb could result in a bite injury to your tongue, lips, or inside of your cheek.

What are the possible side effects of articaine and epinephrine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling or puffiness of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

  • weak or shallow breathing;
  • a slow heart rate;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • blurred vision, ringing in your ears; or
  • anxiety, confusion, restless feeling, or tremors.

Call your doctor or dentist at once if you have any swelling, pain, or heavy bleeding after your procedure.

Common side effects may include:

  • tongue pain or swelling, red or swollen gums;
  • mild swelling in your face;
  • headache; or
  • numbness and tingling.

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.

What other drugs will affect articaine and epinephrine?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with articaine and epinephrine, especially:

  • an antidepressant-- amitriptylline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, protriptyline, trimipramine;
  • antipsychotic medication --chlorpromazine, droperidol, fluphenazine, haloperidol, perphenazine; or
  • an MAO inhibitor --isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with articaine and epinephrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your dentist or pharmacist can provide more information about articaine and epinephrine.

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.

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