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Zorcaine Dosage

Generic name: Articaine hydrochloride 40mg in 1mL, Epinephrine Bitartrate 0.01mg in 1mL
Dosage form: injection, solution
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 6, 2024.

2.1 Important Dosage Information

Table 1 summarizes the recommended dosages of ZORCAINE administered by intraoral submucosal infiltration or nerve block for various types of anesthetic dental procedures in healthy adults and pediatric patients.

Table 1: Recommended Dosages for Both Strengths
ZORCAINE Injection
Procedure Volume (mL) Total dose of articaine HCl (mg)
Infiltration 0.5 mL to 2.5 mL 20 mg to 100 mg
Nerve block 0.5 mL to 3.4 mL 20 mg to 136 mg
Oral surgery 1 mL to 5.1 mL 40 mg to 204 mg

The recommended dosages of ZORCAINE in healthy adults serve only as a guide to the amount of anesthetic required for most routine dental procedures. The dosages to be used in adults depend on several factors such as type and extent of surgical procedure, depth of anesthesia, degree of muscular relaxation, and condition of the patient. In all cases, administer the lowest dosage that will produce the desired result.

The dosages of ZORCAINE to be used in pediatric patients aged 4 to 16 years old are determined by the age and weight of the patient and the type of dental procedure.

For most routine dental procedures, Articaine HCl and Epinephrine containing epinephrine 1:200,000 is preferred. However, when more pronounced hemostasis or improved visualization of the surgical field are required, ZORCAINE containing epinephrine 1:100,000 may be used.

Maximum Recommended Dosages

  • Healthy Adults: The maximum recommended dosage of ZORCAINE is 7 mg/kg of articaine and 0.0017mg/kg of epinephrine (equivalent to 0.175 mL/kg for either product presentation, articaine HCl and 1:100,000 or 1:200,000 epinephrine).
  • Pediatric Patients Ages 4 to 16 Years: The maximum recommended dosage of ZORCAINE is 7 mg/kg of articaine and 0.0017mg/kg of epinephrine (equivalent to 0.175 mL/kg for either product presentation, articaine HCl and 1:100,000 or 1:200,000 epinephrine) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

2.3 Dosage in Specific Populations

Lower dosages or dosage reduction may be required in debilitated patients, acutely ill patients, elderly patients, and pediatric patients commensurate with their age and physical condition. No studies have been performed in patients with renal or liver impairment. Exercise caution when using ZORCAINE in patients with severe liver disease. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4, 8.5, and 8.6)]

Important Administration Instructions

Visually inspect ZORCAINE for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.
Prior to using the glass cartridges, disinfect by wiping the cap thoroughly with USP grade isopropyl alcohol (70%). Avoid use of isopropyl alcohol, as well as solutions of ethyl alcohol that are not of USP grade because they may contain denaturants that are injurious to rubber. Immersion is not recommended. Discard unused portion.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.