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EXPAREL vs XYLOCAINE 4% PRESERVATIVE FREE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 22, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. EXPAREL and XYLOCAINE 4% 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.

Rating

70/100
68/100

Pharmacy pays

$0.06 /mL
$0.24 /mL

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

BUPIVACAINE
LIDOCAINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Injectable, Liposomal
Injectable, Solution

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 Xylocaine 4% Preservative Free?

By our independent rating, Exparel scores higher — 3.5 vs 3.4 out of 5 for Xylocaine 4% Preservative Free. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Exparel or Xylocaine 4% 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 Xylocaine 4% Preservative Free?

Exparel contains Bupivacaine, while Xylocaine 4% 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.