Levobupivacaine

Also known as (S)-bupivacaine, (-)-bupivacaine, L-(-)-bupivacaine, (S)-1-butyl-2',6'-pipecoloxylidide, L-(-)-1-butyl-2',6'-pipecoloxylidide

Levobupivacaine (rINN) is a local anaesthetic drug indicated for minor and major surgical anaesthesia and pain management. It is a long-acting amide-type local anaesthetic that blocks nerve impulses by inhibiting sodium ion influx into the nerve cells. Levobupivacaine is the S-enantiomer of racemic bupivacaine and therefore similar in pharmacological effects. The drug typically starts taking effect within 15 minutes and can last up to 16 hours depending on factors such as site of administration and dosage.