Ropivacaine Hydrochloride

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Ropivacaine is a member of the amino amide class of local anesthetics and is supplied as the pure S-(-)-enantiomer. Local anesthetics block the generation and the conduction of nerve impulses, presumably by increasing the threshold for electrical excitation in the nerve, by slowing the propagation of the nerve impulse, and by reducing the rate of rise of the action potential. In general, the progression of anesthesia is related to the diameter, myelination and conduction velocity of affected nerve fibers. Clinically, the order of loss of nerve function is as follows: pain, temperature, touch, proprioception, and skeletal muscle tone.

Indications

Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the production of local or regional anesthesia for surgery and for acute pain management. Surgical Anesthesia : epidural block for surgery including cesarean section; major nerve block; local infiltration Acute Pain Management : epidural continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, e.g., postoperative or labor; local infiltration Ropivacaine Hydrochloride Injection is an amide local anesthetic indicated in adults for the production of local or regional anesthesia for surgery and for acute pain management . Surgical Anesthesia : epidural block for surgery including cesarean section; major nerve block; local infiltration Acute Pain Management : epidural continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, e.g., postoperative or labor; local infiltration

Dosage and administration (summary)

See Table 1 for Dosage Recommendations Important Administration Instructions There have been adverse event reports of chondrolysis in patients receiving intra-articular infusions of local anesthetics following arthroscopic and other surgical procedures. Ropivacaine hydrochloride injection is not approved for this use . The rapid injection of a large volume of local anesthetic solution should be avoided and fractional (incremental) doses should always be used. The smallest dose and concentration required to produce the desired result should be administered.

Contraindications

Ropivacaine hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ropivacaine or to any local anesthetic agent of the amide type. History of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type.

Warnings and precautions

Delay in proper management of dose-related toxicity, underventilation, and/or altered sensitivity may lead to the development of acidosis, cardiac arrest and, possibly, death. In performing ropivacaine hydrochloride blocks, unintended intravenous injection is possible and may result in cardiac arrhythmia or cardia arrest. Intra-articular infusions of local anesthetics may cause chondrolysis. Ropivacaine hydrochloride is not approved for this use. . Signs of methemoglobinemia may occur.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available human data on use of ropivacaine hydrochloride in pregnant women to evaluate a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Storage and supply

Storage Conditions Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). . Discard unused portion. Sterile, Nonpyrogenic, Preservative-free, PVC-free, DEHP-free. The container and container closure are not made with natural rubber latex.

Source: Ropivacaine Hydrochloride (Ropivacaine Hydrochloride) — US FDA prescribing information, 2025-08-06, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.