The local anaesthetic activity of levobupivacaine does not differ from racemic bupivacaine (Marcain): first clinical evidence.

The local anaesthetic efficacy of levobupivacaine was compared with racemic bupivacaine (Marcain) in healthy male volunteers who were undergoing ulnar nerve blockade. Levobupivacaine, like racemic bupivacaine, produced blockade of nerve function with evidence of a dose response relationship for levobupivacaine. There were no statistically significant differences with respect to duration of sensory pain, sensory touch or motor block when the adjusted mean for the levobupivacaine groups (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5%) were compared with the 0.25% racemic bupivacaine control group. It is concluded that levobupivacaine is an effective local anaesthetic in humans with a dose-related duration of effect. Its local anaesthetic effect did not differ from that of racemic bupivacaine.