Drug Safety
-
Ropivacaine is a new, long-acting local anaesthetic, prepared as a single enantiomer (the S form). Ropivacaine has a pKa of 8.07, a protein binding of approximately 94%, but a lower lipid solubility than bupivacaine. Extensive animal toxicological studies have shown a lower propensity for cardiotoxicity with ropivacaine than with bupivacaine. ⋯ In comparative studies of ropivacaine and bupivacaine, the 2 drugs appear to be associated with a similar incidence of similar types of adverse effects excluding cardiovascular and CNS toxicities which are lower with ropivacaine. In conclusion, ropivacaine is effective for pain relief during labour and in the postoperative period. Ropivacaine is associated with less cardiovascular and CNS toxicity than bupivacaine and provides a greater degree of dissociation between sensory and motor effects producing less intense motor blockade and more rapid recovery to full patient mobilisation.