Ropivacaine

Chemical

Amide local anaesthetic

Pure S-enantiomer

Use

Regional anaesthesia

Presentation

Presented as HCl monohydrate

Stability 36 months (plain), 24 monthw (w Adr)

Additives:  NaCl (isobaric), Adr or Fentanyl containing preparations available

Injectable solutions 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%

Dose

Lower systemic toxicity allows it to be used at higher concentrations

Route

Peripheral n blocks, epidural, spinal

Onset

DoA

t1/2β 111mins

lipid solubility intermediate btw lignocaine & Bupivacaine

MoA

Sodium channel blockade

Inhibits nerve firing

PD

Sensory blockade of peripheral nerves

Less motor blockade cf Bupi

Addition of adrenaline foes not offer an advantage in terms of DoA following epidural blockade

PK

A

D

6L

94% PPB to a1 glycoprotein

M

Hepatic metabolism – extensively by aromatic hydroxylation

HER 0.49

Clearance higher than Bupi and t1/2b 1 shorter

E

Renal metabolite excretion

<1% unchanged

Adverse Effects

Reduced toxicity cf Bupivacaine (increased affinity for receptors)

Cardiotoxicity requires 2-3 x that of Bupi

Toxicity is shorter and thus less malignant arrythmias