POM-V Prescription Required

Intra-Epicaine 20 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses

Active ingredient: Mepivacaine Hydrochloride

Form

Injection

Species

Horses

Manufacturer

Dechra Regulatory B.V.

VMD MA No.

50406/3021

What it's used for

Mepivacaine is indicated for infiltration, nerve block, intra-articular and epidural anaesthesia in horses.

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓

View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Mepivacaine Hydrochloride

1

Ask your vet for a written prescription

They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.
2

Fill it at a registered online retailer

The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Your prescription rights → VMD register of retailers →

Prescription required

Your vet must provide a written prescription on request. You can then purchase from any licensed online retailer.

Clinical information

Intra-Epicaine 20 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

Mepivacaine is indicated for infiltration, nerve block, intra-articular and epidural
anaesthesia in horses.

Full aseptic precautions should be observed when injecting the product.
For infiltration: As required but as a guide 2-5 ml.
For nerve block: 2-10 ml depending on location.
For intra-articular anaesthesia: 5 ml.
For epidural anaesthesia: 4-10 ml depending on the depth and extent of
anaesthesia required.
In all instances the dosage should be kept to the minimum required to produce the
desired effect. The depth and extent of anaesthesia should be determined by
pressure with a blunt point, such as the tip of a ball point pen, before commencing
manipulations. The duration of action is about 1 hour. It is recommended that the
skin should be shaved and thoroughly disinfected prior to the intra-articular or
epidural administration.

Revised: July 2025
AN: 00898/2025

None.

Transient, local soft tissue swelling may occur in a small proportion of cases
following injection of the product.
Local anaesthetics used in excess can cause systemic toxicity characteristics by
CNS effects.
If systemic toxicity occurs, as a result of inadvertent intra-vascular injection, the
administration of oxygen to treat cardio-respiratory depression and diazepam to
control convulsions should be considered.

None.

Special precautions for use in animals
Care should be taken to avoid intra-vascular injection by aspiration prior to and
during administration.

Revised: July 2025
AN: 00898/2025
The analgesic effect of mepivacaine, when used as part of a lameness
investigation, begins to subside after 45-60 minutes. However, sufficient analgesia
may persist to effect gait beyond two hours.

medicinal product to animals
Care should be taken to avoid accidental self-injection or skin contact.
In the event of accidental self-injection medical advice should be sought.
Wash splashes from skin or eyes immediately.

None known.

Do not store above 25ºC.

Not to be used in horses intended for human consumption. Treated horses
may never be slaughtered for human consumption. The horse must have
been declared as not intended for human consumption under national horse
passport legislation.
5.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.