Ropivacaine

Chemical

Amide local anaesthetic

Pure S-enantiomer

Regional anaesthesia

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%

Lower systemic toxicity allows it to be used at higher concentrations

Peripheral n blocks, epidural, spinal

t1/2β 111mins

lipid solubility intermediate btw lignocaine & Bupivacaine

Sodium channel blockade

Inhibits nerve firing

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

94% PPB to a1 glycoprotein

Hepatic metabolism – extensively by aromatic hydroxylation

HER 0.49

Clearance higher than Bupi and t1/2b 1 shorter

Renal metabolite excretion

<1% unchanged

Reduced toxicity cf Bupivacaine (increased affinity for receptors)

Cardiotoxicity requires 2-3 x that of Bupi

Toxicity is shorter and thus less malignant arrythmias