Definition

The hydrochloride salt form of mepivacaine, an amide-type local anesthetic agent. At the injection site, mepivacaine binds to specific voltage-gated sodium ion channels in neuronal cell membranes, which inhibits both sodium influx and membrane depolarization. This leads to a blockage of nerve impulse initiation and conduction and results in a reversible loss of sensation. Compared to other local anesthetics, this agent has a more rapid onset and moderate duration of action.