Articaine (CAS 23964-58-1): storage and disposal
Dental anaesthetic cartridges are about the only form in which articaine is held in a surgery, packed in cartons and stocked by the box. It is classified as harmful if swallowed and as causing serious eye irritation. Expired cartons are among the commonest chemical items a practice manager has to dispose of, and they are easily overlooked in a drawer.
- CAS number
- 23964-58-1
- Form
- Solid
- Storage class
- General
- Signal word
- Warning
- Usual EWC code
- 16 05 06*
Harmful or irritant
What to do this week
- Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
- Check it is stored as general stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
- If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.
Safe storage in a school or lab
Cartridges live in a surgery cupboard or drawer in their original cartons, and that is where the first check belongs: the date on the carton and the lot, which should match the stock book. Keep cartons away from heat and strong light, and off the windowsill beside the chair. A practice that stocks several anaesthetics should keep articaine in a separate, labelled section so that the wrong carton is not picked up in a hurry. Opened boxes should be marked, and cartridges taken out of their cartons should not be left loose in a drawer or tray. Rotate the stock so the oldest carton is used first.
How to tell it has deteriorated
A clear, colourless solution in intact glass is what normal looks like. Cloudiness, particles, a change in colour, a cracked cartridge, a rubber bung that has been pushed in or displaced, and a seal that has leaked onto the carton are the visible problems. Damp, stained cartons and cartridges stored loose and scratched are also worth noting. Little else shows as it ages, so the printed date and the physical condition of the glass and bung carry the judgement. Out-of-date or unlabelled cartridges should be listed for collection and not used.
How it must be disposed of
By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a non-regulated or low hazard laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.
Packing is straightforward but needs care. Cartridges are glass with a rubber bung, so they are kept in their cartons or another rigid container and described by count, strength and condition. The usual code for discarded articaine medicinal cartridges in a human healthcare setting is 18 01 09. Neat laboratory chemicals are classified separately. Expired or part-used cartridges must not go into a sharps bin, a clinical waste bag, a sink or the general bin, and nobody should try to empty them first. A registered carrier collects them.
| EWC code, laboratory chemicals | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack | 16 05 08* |
| Human healthcare setting | 18 01 09 |
| Hazardous waste | Yes |
The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.
Common quantities we collect
Usually held as: cartridges.
Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.
Where it is commonly held
Hazard statements
- H302 Harmful if swallowed.
- H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
Precautionary statements
- P261 Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
- P264+P265 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
- P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
- P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
- P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P319 Get medical help if you feel unwell.
- P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
- P330 Rinse mouth.
- P332+P317 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
- P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
- P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
- P405 Store locked up.
- P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.
Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.
Questions
What is the right way to dispose of expired articaine cartridges?
They are chemical waste for specialist collection. Keep them in their cartons or another rigid container, count them, note the strength and condition, and do not empty them or put them in a sharps bin.
Can part-used cartridges be put in the sharps bin?
No. A part-used cartridge still holds the chemical and is not sharps waste. Keep it with the expired stock, in a rigid container, and list it. Needles are dealt with through the usual sharps route.
Where should cartridges be kept?
In their original cartons in a surgery cupboard, away from heat, strong light and windowsills, and separate from other anaesthetics. Check the date and lot against the stock book on receipt.
How do we know a cartridge has gone off?
Look for cloudiness, particles, colour change, cracked glass, a displaced bung and leaks. Past the printed date, an undated or unlabelled cartridge should be listed regardless of how it looks.
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