(–)-Ropivacaine is a potent and reversible blocker of sodium channels in nerve fibers.
1 In vivo, (–)-ropivacaine induces complete impairment of proprioception, motor function, and nociception in the hindleg of rats when 100 μL of an 8 mM solution is injected percutaneously into the sciatic nerve.
2 (–)-Ropivacaine depresses myocardial contractile force in isolated rat hearts less potently than (±)-ropivacaine, as well as (–)- and (±)-bupivacaine (Item No.
16618).
3 Formulations containing (–)-ropivacaine have been used as local anesthetics during surgery and childbirth.
