bupivacaine hydrochloride /byo͝opiv″əkān/ , a local anesthetic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed for caudal, epidural, peripheral, or sympathetic anesthetic block. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Known hypersensitivity to this drug or to any of the amide class of local anesthetics prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse reactions are central nervous system disturbances, cardiovascular depression, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, and hypersensitivity reactions.