Septocaine

Generic name: articaine and epinephrine [ AR-ti-kane-and-EP-i-NEF-rin ]
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 9, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Septocaine?

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

Septocaine is a combination medicine used to numb your mouth for a dental procedure.

Septocaine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Septocaine side effects

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 of Septocaine 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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

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

Before taking this medicine

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

To make sure Septocaine 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 Septocaine 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 Septocaine given?

Septocaine 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 Septocaine 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 Septocaine?

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 other drugs will affect Septocaine?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Septocaine, 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.

Further information

• Your dentist or pharmacist can provide more information about Septocaine.

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.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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