Zorcaine

2.1 General Dosing Information

Table 1 (below) summarizes the recommended volumes and concentrations of Zorcaine for various types of anesthetic procedures. The dosages suggested in this table are for normal healthy adults, administered by submucosal infiltration or nerve block.

Table 1: Recommended Dosages for Both Strengths Procedure Zorcaine Injection Volume (mL) Total dose of articaine HCl (mg) Infiltration 0.5 – 2.5 20 – 100 Nerve block 0.5 – 3.4 20 – 136 Oral surgery 1.0 – 5.1 40 – 204

The recommended doses serve only as a guide to the amount of anesthetic required for most routine procedures. The actual volumes to be used depend on a number of factors such as type and extent of surgical procedure, depth of anesthesia, degree of muscular relaxation, and condition of the patient. In all cases, the smallest dose that will produce the desired result should be given.

The onset of anesthesia and the duration of anesthesia are proportional to the volume and concentration (i.e., total dose) of local anesthetic used. Caution should be exercised when employing large volumes because the incidence of side effects may be dose-related.

For most routine dental procedures, articaine hydrochloride 4% containing epinephrine 1:200,000 is preferred. However, when more pronounced hemostasis or improved visualization of the surgical field are required, Zorcaine containing epinephrine 1:100,000 may be used.

2.2 Maximum Recommended Dosages Adults: For normal healthy adults, the maximum dose of articaine HCl administered by submucosal infiltration or nerve block should not exceed 7 mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg). Pediatric Patients Ages 4 to 16 Years: The quantity of articaine HCl in children ages 4 to 16 years of age to be injected should be determined by the age and weight of the child and the magnitude of the operation. The maximum dose of articaine HCl 4% should not exceed 7 mg/kg (0.175 mL/kg) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. Safety and effectiveness of Zorcaine in pediatric patients below the age of 4 years have not been established. 2.3 Dosing in Special Populations

Dose reduction may be required in debilitated patients, acutely ill patients, elderly patients, and pediatric patients commensurate with their age and physical condition. No studies have been performed in patients with renal or liver dysfunction. Caution should be used in patients with severe liver disease. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4, 8.5, and 8.6)]