Articaine HCl 4% with Epinephrine 1:100,000 (1.7 mL Cartridge)
Articaine HCl 4% with Epinephrine 1:100,000 is a high-potency dental local anesthetic cartridge formulation used for effective pain management in dentistry. Each sterile 1.7 mL glass carpule (50 per box) contains 40 mg/mL articaine (an amide anesthetic) and epinephrine (vasoconstrictor) at a 1:100,000 ratio. This HSI (Henry Schein) formulation delivers rapid-onset, long-lasting analgesia for both routine and complex oral procedures. It is intended for use by licensed dental professionals (prescription-only) to achieve local numbing of the gums and oral tissues for restorations, extractions, root canals, periodontal surgery, implants, and other procedures. Official prescribing information specifies it “is indicated for intraoral local, infiltrative, or conductive anesthesia in both simple and complex dental procedures” in adults and pediatric patients aged 4 and older. In practice, dentists choose the 1:100,000 epinephrine variant when enhanced bleeding control and extended field visualization are needed during treatment.
Key Benefits & Features
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Exceptional Anesthetic Potency: Articaine 4% provides a strong numbing effect comparable to or exceeding that of lidocaine and other amide anesthetics. Its unique thiophene-ring structure makes it highly lipid-soluble, greatly enhancing nerve membrane penetration for reliable anesthesia.
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Rapid Onset: The formulation’s high solubility ensures a fast onset of action (often within 1–3 minutes of injection). This means dentists can achieve effective pain relief quickly, improving procedural efficiency and patient comfort.
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Superior Bone Penetration: Unlike many anesthetics, articaine diffuses readily through bone. This allows effective infiltration anesthesia even in dense maxillary or mandibular bone, often reducing the need for palatal injections . (Studies note its bone penetration is superior to lidocaine and mepivacaine.)
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Extended Duration & Hemostasis: With epinephrine 1:100,000, each dose offers long-lasting numbness – typically around 60–90 minutes of pulpal anesthesia and up to 3–4 hours of soft-tissue anesthesia. The vasoconstrictor action of epinephrine also constricts blood vessels to prolong the effect and minimize bleeding, providing a clear surgical field. This is especially valuable for lengthy restorations, surgical extractions, or implant placements.
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Low Systemic Toxicity: Articaine is rapidly metabolized (about 75% by blood esterases and the rest by the liver), resulting in faster clearance and a lower risk of systemic toxicity compared to other amides. Its short half-life and high protein binding help limit systemic exposure. Nonetheless, practitioners should adhere to maximum dosage guidelines by patient weight.
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Versatile Indications: This anesthetic is suitable for virtually all tooth-related procedures: cavity fillings, crown preparations, endodontic (root canal) treatments, periodontal surgery, orthodontic procedures, implant placement, suture removal, and more. It is effective for both simple and complex cases, and can be used for buccal, palatal, or lingual infiltrations as well as standard nerve blocks. (Henry Schein notes it is “indicated for local, infiltrative, or conductive anesthesia in both simple and complex dental procedures”.)
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Patient Comfort: The carpule features a silicone-coated plunger for smooth, easy injection, which many dentists find minimizes patient discomfort during administration. The solution is buffered and free of the irritant methylparaben (paraben-free) to reduce allergic reactions. A gentle injection technique and the fast action of articaine combine to reduce patient anxiety and pain during dental visits.
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Safe, Allergy-Friendly Packaging: Each carpule is made of clear glass (allowing the clinician to observe blood reflux), with a color-coded rubber diaphragm and silicone plunger. The multi-layer packaging includes a Mylar safety label over each glass tube (minimizing contamination risk if breakage occurs) and blister-packing (10 carpules per blister to prevent glass-on-glass contact). Components are 100% latex-free and contain no natural rubber, reducing risk for latex-allergic patients. The entire lot is terminally sterilized for safe use in the dental office.
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Hemostatic Field Visibility: Because epinephrine constricts capillaries, doses of Articaine 1:100k improve hemostasis. Dentists often prefer the 1:100k epinephrine formulation for surgeries or when improved visibility is needed in the operative field. In contrast, the 1:200k version (not this product) is generally used for routine procedures with minimal bleeding.
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Regulatory & Handling: This is a prescription-only product for licensed practitioners. Cartridges should be stored according to instruction (usually refrigerated or room temperature out of light) and checked for expiration. Each box is HSI item #02A1400 and contains 50 sterile cartridges; cases (20 boxes) are sold to practices or clinics. Always aspirate prior to injection and follow standard anesthetic precautions. (Contains sodium metabisulfite – avoid if patient has sulfite allergy)
Indications & Usage
Articaine 4% (1:100,000) is indicated for intraoral local anesthesia in patients 4 years and older). It may be administered via buccal or lingual infiltration, palatal infiltration (for maxillary teeth), mandibular buccal infiltration (in many cases), and standard block techniques (e.g. inferior alveolar nerve block). Typical adult dosage for infiltration is 0.5–2.5 mL (20–100 mg articaine), and for block injections up to 3.4 mL (20–136 mg). According to FDA labeling, the 1:100,000 epinephrine mix is preferred when enhanced hemostasis is required (such as surgical extractions or periodontal surgery). In most routine cases, 1:200,000 (with less epinephrine) suffices, but our HSI 1:100,000 version is supplied for procedures where longer anesthesia and better bleeding control are desired.
Dentists use this anesthetic for a wide range of dental services including restorative work (fillings, crowns, bridges), endodontics (root canals), oral surgery (extractions, biopsies, grafts), implant placement, orthodontic adjustments, deep cleanings, and pediatric treatments. By blocking nerve impulses, the solution provides effective analgesia and vasoconstriction so patients feel no pain during treatment. Modern studies confirm that 4% articaine often achieves a higher success rate (especially for difficult mandibular injections) than 2% lidocaine, allowing most procedures to be completed without supplemental anesthetic. This translates to fewer injections overall and reduced procedural time, enhancing patient satisfaction with “pain-free” dental care.
Quality & Safety Features
Henry Schein’s HSI Articaine cartridges are manufactured under strict quality control to ensure consistent dosage and safety. Each lot is produced in an FDA-registered facility with GMP certification. The 4% articaine formula contains 3.8% sodium chloride and 0.5% sodium metabisulfite (to preserve the epinephrine); it does not contain parabens or formaldehyde. The product is paraben-free and latex-free, avoiding common allergens. Because articaine contains an ester group, a portion is hydrolyzed by blood plasma (inactivating the drug); this unique metabolism lowers systemic exposure. Patients with sulfite sensitivity should not receive this anesthetic.
For patient safety, always follow standard injections protocols: use a sterilized needle, aspirate to avoid intravascular injection, and monitor for signs of overdose (tinnitus, CNS effects). In rare cases, 4% articaine has been associated with postoperative numbness (paresthesia) when injected near large nerves, but overall its safety profile is well-established. By staying within dosage limits and using proper technique, clinicians can safely leverage articaine’s advantages to provide efficient, comfortable local anesthesia in dental practice.
Disclaimer: Articaine with epinephrine is a prescription-strength anesthetic intended for use only by qualified dental or medical personnel. Always refer to the full prescribing information and your professional guidelines before use.
