Bupivacaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic that blocks nerve conduction in response to electrical stimulation. It is used to provide postoperative analgesia and anesthesia for surgery of the skin, muscle, and bone. Bupivacaine hydrochloride has been shown to be effective for pain relief after cardiac surgery. The drug can also be given epidurally or as an injection into the spinal canal. There are several side effects associated with bupivacaine hydrochloride, including cardiac effects and local irritation at the site of administration.