Pharmacokinetic and local toxicity studies of liposome-encapsulated and plain mepivacaine solutions in rats

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics and the local toxicity of commercial and liposome-encapsulated mepivacaine formulations injected intra-orally in rats were studied. Animals were divided in groups (n=4-6) and treated with 0.1mL of the formulations: 2% mepivacaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (MVC 2%EPI), 3% mepivacaine (MVC3%), and 2% liposome-encapsulated mepivacaine (MVCLUV). The results showed that the 2% liposome-encapsulated mepivacaine reduced Cmax, prolonged UC0∞ and t1/2 compared with 3% plain and 2% vasoconstritor-associated mepivacaine, after intraoral injection. In addition, it was also observed that liposomal mepivacaine might protect the tissue against local inflammation evoked by plain or soconstrictors-associated mepivacaine, giving supporting evidence for its safety and possible clinical use in dentistry. © 2010 Informa UK Ltd.