Ropivacaine
Ropivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic of the amide type used to produce regional anesthesia and pain relief during and after surgical procedures. It works by blocking sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the transmission of pain signals in the targeted area.
Ropivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic used for surgical anesthesia and pain management through nerve block and epidural administration.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N01BB09
- RxNorm
- 35780
- Generic
- Ropivacaine
- Class
- atc-n01
- Brands
- Naropin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, prefilled syringe
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 20-40mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose or as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5-1mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose or as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20-30mg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- single dose or as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits clearly outweigh potential risks
fetal heart rate monitoring when used during labor
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits clearly outweigh potential risks
fetal monitoring as clinically indicated
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose and avoid rapid bolus
use with caution for obstetric analgesia; avoid high concentrations for prolonged procedures
continuous fetal monitoring during labor and delivery
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicableno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding; minimal excretion into breast milk
no specific monitoring required
geriatric
over 65 yearsreduce dose by 25-50%
use lower concentrations; avoid high doses; monitor for cardiac and CNS effects
close monitoring of vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and level of consciousness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
neonates infantsuse weight-based dosing; reduce dose by 30-50%
use lowest effective concentration; avoid continuous infusion for prolonged periods in neonates
continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 1 month 12 yearsweight-based dosing with reduced dose
established efficacy and safety for caudal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks
standard pediatric monitoring including cardiorespiratory and neurological status
renal_impairment
severe creatinine clearance less 30reduce dose by 25-50%; avoid high doses
use with caution; monitor for accumulation and toxicity
monitor renal function and drug levels if available; observe for signs of toxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%; extend dosing intervals
use with extreme caution; avoid high cumulative doses; consider alternative analgesics for prolonged use
closely monitor for signs of toxicity; consider therapeutic drug monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Ropivacaine (Naropin)
Drug class
ATC classification N01AB09
Common uses
Epidural, nerve block, and local infiltration
Mechanism of action
Produces sensory blockade with reduced cardiac and CNS toxicity compared to bupivacaine
Ropivacaine is used for epidural anesthesia during labor and cesarean sections, nerve blocks, surgical anesthesia, and postoperative pain management. It is also employed for infiltration anesthesia and continuous infusion techniques.
Ropivacaine blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve fibers, preventing the generation and propagation of nerve impulses. This reversible blockade results in loss of sensation and motor function in the area where it is administered.
Ropivacaine is administered via injection or infusion by healthcare professionals. It has a longer duration of action compared to many other local anesthetics. Systemic toxicity can occur if large amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart and central nervous system. Patients should be monitored during administration.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy