HTX-011 (bupivacaine and meloxicam) for the prevention of postoperative pain - clinical considerations.

HTX-011 is an extended-release, dual-acting local anesthetic consisting of liposomal bupivacaine (sodium-channel blocker) and low-dose meloxicam (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID]) applied needle-free during surgery. Introducing low-dose meloxicam addresses the limited efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine in acidic inflamed tissues and allows enhanced analgesic effects over three days. It has great promise to be an extremely effective postoperative pain regimen and produce an opioid-free surgical recovery, as it has consistently significantly reduced pain scores and opioid consumption through 72 h. This manuscript provides an updated, concise narrative review of the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of this drug and its applications to prevent postoperative pain.