Ropivacaine
Generic name: ropivacaine [ roe-PIV-a-kane ]
Brand names: Naropin, Naropin Polyamp, Naropin SDV, Naropin Novaplus
Dosage form: injectable solution (0.1%; 0.1%-NaCl 0.9%; 0.15%-NaCl 0.9%; 0.2%; 0.2%-NaCl 0.9%; 0.25%-NaCl 0.9%; 0.375%-NaCl 0.9%; 0.5%; 0.5%-NaCl 0.9%; 0.6%-NaCl 0.9%; 0.75%; 1%)
Drug class:Local injectable anesthetics
What is ropivacaine?
Ropivacaine is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that blocks the nerve impulses that send pain signals to your brain.
Ropivacaine is used as a local (in only one area) anesthesia for a spinal block, also called an epidural. The medication is used to provide anesthesia during a surgery or C-section, or to ease labor pains.
Ropivacaine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Before receiving ropivacaine, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.
Tell your caregivers at once if you have a serious side effect such as: confusion, problems with speech or vision, ringing in your ears, numbness or tingling around your mouth, weak or shallow breathing, gasping, feeling unusually hot, or feeling like you might pass out.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.
To make sure ropivacaine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease;
kidney disease; or
a heart rhythm disorder.
Ropivacaine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether ropivacaine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is ropivacaine given?
Ropivacaine is given as an injection through a needle placed into an area of your middle or lower back near your spine. You will receive this injection in a hospital or surgical setting.
Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving ropivacaine.
Some numbing medications can have long-lasting or delayed effects. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk. Call your doctor if you have joint pain or stiffness, or weakness in any part of your body that occurs after your surgery, even months later.
