Ropivacaine
Introduction To Ropivacaine
Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic. It is used during minor surgical procedures such as dental, oral, diagnostic, or other therapeutic procedures to anesthetize or numb the surgical area.
Ropivacaine must be administered by healthcare professionals. It blocks the pain signals to reach the brain by temporarily numbing the surgical area and helps to perform a painless procedure.
The most common side effects of this medicine include hypotension, nausea, vomiting, slow heart rate, fever, anemia, paresthesia, headache, itching, and back pain. These are usually mild and short-lived. If the numbness or other side effects persist at the injection site, consult your doctor without delay.
Before using Ropivacaine, it is very important to tell your doctor if you have any underlying heart disease or are taking medicines for heart rhythm problems. Ask your doctor for advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, it is not safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while on medication, as you may feel dizzy.
Uses of Ropivacaine
- Local anesthesia (Numb tissues in a specific area)
Benefits of Ropivacaine
Local anesthesia (Numb tissues in a specific area)
Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic. It makes your skin numb. It works by
blocking nerve signals in your body. It is generally very safe, works quite
quickly, and will reduce the discomfort that might be caused by invasive
medical procedures such as surgery, needle punctures, or insertion of a
catheter or breathing tube.
Side effects of Ropivacaine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Ropizuva
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slow heart rate
- Fever
- Anemia (low number of red blood cells)
- Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
- Headache
- Itching
- Back pain
How to use Ropivacaine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Ropivacaine works
Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic. It works by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain. This helps to decrease the sensation of pain.
Quick tips
- It is given as an injection by the healthcare professional.
- Ropivacaine may affect your concentration or make you feel sleepy, so avoid driving or using tools or machines until the next day.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, problem with sight or hearing or numbness around lips, tongue and mouth.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Ropivacaine if I’m pregnant?
Ropivacaine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Ropivacaine if I’m breastfeeding?
Ropivacaine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Ropivacaine safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Ropivacaine. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Ropivacaine?
Ropivacaine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Ropivacaine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Ropivacaine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Ropivacaine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Ropivacaine if I have/had liver diseases?
Ropivacaine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Ropivacaine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Ropivacaine used for?
Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic used before any surgical procedure or diagnostic procedure. It helps to numb the area and reduces the discomfort associated with the insertion of medical instruments such as needles or catheters.
Q. How is Ropivacaine administered?
How long does it last? Ropivacaine is supplied as a solution that is to be administered epidurally either as an injection or as an intravenous infusion. Impact of Ropivacaine on the body depends on the administration site and dose and may range between 3 to 10 hours. Talk to your doctor if you have any queries about the impact of this medicine.
Q. Is Ropivacaine safer than bupivacaine?
Ropivacaine is a left isomer of bupivacaine. Compared to bupivacaine, Ropivacaine has less toxic effects on the heart and central nervous system. Therefore, it is safer than bupivacaine.
Q. What are the side effects of Ropivacaine?
The most common side effects of Ropivacaine are paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), back pain, irregular heart rate, dizziness, headache, high blood pressure, inability to empty the urinary bladder, increased body temperature, feeling of cold and vomiting. These usually subside once the effect of Ropivacaine wears off. However, if you notice worsening if these side effects or if they worry you, please consult your doctor.
Q. What are the early symptoms of local anesthesia toxicity?
Our nervous system is more sensitive to the effects of local anesthetics than any other system of the human body. Therefore, the early symptoms of local anesthesia toxicity are tinnitus (ringing sound in the ears), blurred vision, dizziness, tongue paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), and circumoral numbness (numbness around the eyes).
Q. Is Ropivacaine a steroid?
No. Ropivacaine is not a steroid. Ropivacaine is a local anesthetic that belongs to the class of anesthetics known as long acting amides. It works by blocking the nerve signals in the area of injection and thus numbs the area temporarily. In this way, Ropivacaine restricts the pain sensation in the area it is administered.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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