Reptile · Pogona vitticeps · typical adult weight 0.38–0.51 kg
Bupivacaine is dosed at 1–2 mg/kg local infiltration q4-12h prn (max 4 mg/kg) in bearded dragons, per 63. Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.252 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW). Bupivacaine is used in bearded dragons for Local anaesthesia, Motor and sensory block of the caudal body (regional anaesthesia). Routes documented in bearded dragons: local infiltration, neuraxial (intrathec. A typical adult bearded dragon weighs 0.38–0.51 kg. ExoticRx lists 2 cited dose rules for Bupivacaine in bearded dragons, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
US trade names: Marcaine, Nocita
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| local infiltration | 1–2 mg/kg | q4-12h prn (max 4 mg/kg) | Local anaesthesia | Weak | 63. Carpenter JW, Klaphake E, Gibbons PM, et al. Reptile formulary. In: Divers SJ, Stahl SJ, eds. Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd ed., Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2019:1191-1211. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.252 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
| neuraxial (intrathec | 1 mg/kg | not stated in source | Motor and sensory block of the caudal body (regional anaesthesia) | Moderate | 124. Ferreira TH, Fink DM, Mans C. Evaluation of neuraxial administration of bupivacaine in Q1 bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Vet Anaesth Analg. 2021;48(5):798-803. — Mined from Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.236 (2026-08-01, PENDING REVIEW) |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your bearded dragon's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Long-acting amide local anesthetic blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. Duration 4-8 hours (standard) or 72 hours (Nocita liposomal).
Nocita (liposomal bupivacaine) FDA-approved for post-op pain in dogs/cats. Cardiotoxic if inadvertently given IV. Do not use with epinephrine on digits/tail.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for bearded dragons may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Bupivacaine dose ranges in bearded dragons, with cited source references: local infiltration 1–2 mg/kg q4-12h prn (max 4 mg/kg); neuraxial (intrathec 1 mg/kg not stated in source. Reference ranges from cited sources — verify against current literature before clinical use.
Documented routes for Bupivacaine in bearded dragons: local infiltration, neuraxial (intrathec.
Bupivacaine is indicated in bearded dragons for: Local anaesthesia, Motor and sensory block of the caudal body (regional anaesthesia).
These are general warnings for Bupivacaine across species; consult the bearded dragon dosing table above for species-specific guidance. Nocita (liposomal bupivacaine) FDA-approved for post-op pain in dogs/cats. Cardiotoxic if inadvertently given IV. Do not use with epinephrine on digits/tail.
Why a species-specific page? Bupivacaine pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in bearded dragons — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.