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EXPAREL vs LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE PRESERVATIVE FREE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. EXPAREL and LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE PRESERVATIVE FREE are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

exparellidocaine hydrochloride preservative free

Rating

70/100
72/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.06 /mL
$0.24 /mL

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

BUPIVACAINE
LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Manufacturer

Pacira Pharms Inc
Hikma

Dosage forms

Injectable, Liposomal
Injectable

Drug class

Amide Local Anesthetic
Amide Local Anesthetic

Boxed warning

None
None

Treats

Postoperative Pain
Burns, Esophageal Diseases, Mouth Diseases

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Exparel or Lidocaine Hydrochloride Preservative Free?

By our independent rating, Lidocaine Hydrochloride Preservative Free scores higher — 3.6 vs 3.5 out of 5 for Exparel. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Exparel or Lidocaine Hydrochloride Preservative Free?

Exparel costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.06 vs $0.24 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Exparel and Lidocaine Hydrochloride Preservative Free?

Exparel contains Bupivacaine, while Lidocaine Hydrochloride Preservative Free contains Lidocaine Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.