2.1 General Dosing Information
Table 1 (below) summarizes the recommended volumes and concentrations of Articaine HCl and Epinephrine 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
Articaine HCl and Epinephrine Injection
Procedure
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 HCl and Epinephrine containing epinephrine 1:200,000 is preferred. However, when more pronounced hemostasis or improved visualization of the surgical field are required, Articaine HCl and Epinephrine 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 Articaine HCl and Epinephrine 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)]