Levobupivacaine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt of levobupivacaine, an amide derivative with anesthetic property.

Levobupivacaine reversibly binds voltage-gated sodium channels to modulate ionic flux and prevent the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses (stabilizing neuronal membrane), thereby resulting in analgesia and anesthesia. In comparison with racemic bupivacaine, levobupivacaine is associated with less vasodilation and has a longer duration of action.

Levobupivacaine is a local anaesthetic drug belonging to the amino amide group. It is the S-enantiomer of bupivacaine. Levobupivacaine hydrochloride is commonly marketed by AbbVie under the trade name Chirocaine.

Levobupivacaine is a local anaesthetic drug belonging to the amino amide group. It is the S-enantiomer of bupivacaine. Levobupivacaine hydrochloride is commonly marketed by Abbott under the trade name Chirocaine. Bupivacaine is an amide-type local anaesthetic. Although it blocks neuro transmission, its membrane stabilising action also affects the myocardium. This can cause fatal cardiotoxicity. As bupivacaine is widely used in surgery and obstetrics, attempts have been made to develop a safer long-acting local anaesthetic.

The bupivacaine molecule is a racemic compound. Levobupivacaine is the S-enantiomer of bupivacaine and is thought to have less cardiotoxic potential than the R-enantiomer. The pharmacokinetic parameters of levobupivacaine are similar to those of bupivacaine.

Levobupivacaine has been studied in surgical anaesthesia and for pain management. It can be used for local infiltration, epidural, intrathecal and peripheral nerve blocks. For epidural analgesia it can be given with clonidine. Double-blind comparisons of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine show that their anaesthetic effects are similar.