Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (959 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
An anilide used as a long-acting local anesthetic. It has a differential blocking effect on sensory and motor neurons.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: 1-Propyl-2',6'-pipecoloxylidide; 1 Propyl 2',6' pipecoloxylidide; LEA 103; LEA-103; LEA103; Naropin; AL 381; AL-381.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Anilides
- See also
- Bupivacaine
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 4,557 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Ropivacaine” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 1,288 of them (28.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 1,600 records.
Reviews account for 151 records (3.3%) and meta-analyses for 48. Randomized controlled trials number 2,204 (48.4%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 249 |
| 2000-2009 | 1,420 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,600 |
| 2020 onward | 1,288 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 151 | 3.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 48 | 1.1% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 2,204 | 48.4% |
Method: PubMed query "Ropivacaine"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals
Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
Ropivacaine promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through damaging mitochondria and activating caspase-3 activity [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundRecent evidences indicated that some local anaesthetic agents played a role in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells; Whether ropivacaine is able to promote apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is still unclear.
- Closing excerpt
- Our findings provide novel insights into the local anaesthetic agents in the therapy of HCC patients.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (240 words)
BackgroundRecent evidences indicated that some local anaesthetic agents played a role in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells; Whether ropivacaine is able to promote apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ropivacaine on the apoptosis of HCC cells.MethodsIn the present study, we treated the HCC cell lines, Bel7402 and HLE with ropivacaine. MTT, DAPI stain, trypan blue exclusion dye assay, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, computational simulation, laser confocal microscope, Western blotting, and enzyme activity analysis of caspase-3 were applied to detect the growth and apoptosis of HCC cells and to explore the role mechanism of ropivacaine.ResultsRopivacaine was able to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of HCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Ropivacaine also has a trait to inhibit the migration of HCC cells; ropivacaine damaged the mitochondria of HCC cells. The results also indicated that ropivacaine was able to interact with caspase-3, promote cytoplasmic caspase-3 migration into the nucleus, stimulate cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1, caspase-9 proteins, inhibit the expression of Bcl-2, promote expression of Apaf-1 and mitochondria release cytochrome C, and activate the activity of caspase-3.ConclusionsRopivacaine has a novel role in promoting apoptosis of HCC cells; The role mechanism of ropivacaine maybe involve in damaging the function of mitochondria and activating the caspase-3 signalling pathway in HCC cells. Our findings provide novel insights into the local anaesthetic agents in the therapy of HCC patients.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31300048 · DOI · PMC6625015
Ropivacaine inhibits the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells through ITGB1 [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- To study whether ropivacaine inhibits the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells through ITGB1 (Integrin beta-1).
- Closing excerpt
- 1% Tween 20 (TBST); Similarty ensemble approach (SEA).
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (243 words)
To study whether ropivacaine inhibits the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells through ITGB1 (Integrin beta-1). First, the effect of ropivacaine on cell proliferation and migration was detected by MTT and Transwell. DAPI staining, annexin V staining and Western blot were used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins to investigate the effect of ropivacaine on cell apoptosis. Using bioinformatics software to predict the potential drug targets of ropivacaine. RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence verify the distribution and expression of the drug target ITGB1, and detect its downstream-related proteins to further prove that ropivacaine affects colon cancer cells by acting on ITGB1 protein. 1. Ropivacaine significantly inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells and promoted their apoptosis 2. Ropivacaine could interact with ITGB1 protein, and inhibited the expression of ITGB1 protein in colon cancer cells, thereby affecting its downstream signaling pathway. Ropivacaine regulates the function of colon cancer cells by targeting the expression of ITGB1 protein and affecting the activation of its downstream signaling pathways. Abbreviation: Integrin beta-1 (ITGB1); 3-(45)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-35-di- phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT); 4. 6-diamimo-2-phenyl indole (DAPI); Reverse transcrption PCR (RT-PCR); Colorectal cancer (CRC); Local anesthetics (LA); voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC); dulbecco s modifed eade medium (DMEM); propidium iodide (PI); dodecyl sulf ate, sodium salt-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE); Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF); BCL2 associated X (Bax); Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK); extracellular signal-regulated kmase (ERK); alpha serme threcnime-proteim kinase (AKT); Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH); Tris-buffered salme with 0.1% Tween 20 (TBST); Similarty ensemble approach (SEA).
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33345684 · DOI · PMC8806321
Role of ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block as a component of multimodal analgesic regimen for lower segment caesarean section: a randomized double blind clinical study [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundWhile opioids are the mainstay for post-operative analgesia after lower segment caesarean section, they are associated with various untoward effects.
- Closing excerpt
- Trial registrationThe trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India ( CTRI/2017/03/008194 ) on 23/03/2017 (trial registered retrospectively).
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (241 words)
BackgroundWhile opioids are the mainstay for post-operative analgesia after lower segment caesarean section, they are associated with various untoward effects. Ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been postulated to provide effective analgesia for caesarean section. We evaluated the analgesic efficacy of this block for post caesarean analgesia in a randomised controlled trial.MethodsOne hundred thirty-nine mothers undergoing caesarean delivery were randomised to receive TAP block with either 20 ml 0.375% ropivacaine or 20 ml saline after obtaining informed consent. All the subjects received a standard spinal anaesthetic and diclofenac was administered for post-operative pain. Breakthrough pain was treated with tramadol. Post-operatively, all the subjects were assessed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 18 & 24 h. The primary outcome was the time to first analgesic request. The secondary measures of outcome were pain, nausea, sedation, number of doses of tramadol administered and satisfaction with the pain management.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) time to first analgesic request was prolonged in the TAP group compared to the control group (p ConclusionTAP block reduces pain, prolongs the duration of analgesia and decreases supplemental opioid consumption when used for multimodal analgesia for pain relief after caesarean section. However, the risk of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity remains unknown with this block. Hence larger safety trials and measures to limit this complication need to be ascertained.Trial registrationThe trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India ( CTRI/2017/03/008194 ) on 23/03/2017 (trial registered retrospectively).
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 29759061 · DOI · PMC5952861
Thoracic paravertebral block with different doses of liposomal bupivacaine versus ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery: a randomized clinical trial [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveTo evaluate the analgesic efficacy of thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) with different doses of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) or ropivacaine in patients undergoing single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionLB combined with TPVB is not superior to ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in single-port thoracoscopic lung resection.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (235 words)
ObjectiveTo evaluate the analgesic efficacy of thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) with different doses of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) or ropivacaine in patients undergoing single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery.MethodsA total of 105 patients scheduled for video-assisted single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into three groups: low-dose LB group (group LL), high-dose LB group (group HL), or ropivacaine group (group R). All received ultrasound-guided TPVB at the T5/6 level preoperatively. The primary outcome was the area under the curve (AUC) of NRS of pain at activity (AUC-aNRS) from 1 to 72 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the AUC of NRS of pain at rest (AUC-rNRS) from 1 to 72 h postoperatively, NRS of pain at rest and at activity at 1, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively, and the cumulative opioid consumption at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively. Additionally, postoperative recovery and adverse events were assessed.ResultsAUC-aNRS differed significantly among groups (p = 0.0092), with high-dose LB lower than low-dose LB (p = 0.0071), but not versus ropivacaine. No significant difference was found in AUC-rNRS (p > 0.05). The group-by-time interactions for NRS of pain at rest and at activity were not significant (p > 0.05). Cumulative opioid consumption at 24, 48, and 72 h was lower in group HL versus group LL (all p p > 0.05).ConclusionLB combined with TPVB is not superior to ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in single-port thoracoscopic lung resection.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42342240 · DOI · PMC13295115
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Evaluation of ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine versus ropivacaine alone for epidural anesthesia: A meta-analysis [5]
- Research article Comparative Analgesic Efficacies of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine for Postoperative Rectus Sheath Block in Paediatric Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial and Retrospective Cohort Studies [6]
- Research article Efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal ropivacaine in pain management following laparoscopic digestive surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs [7]
- Research article The Study of Ropivacaine Pharmacokinetics in a Clinical Setting: A Critical Scoping Review from the Perspective of Analytical Methodologies [8]
- Research article Anesthetic management of a patient with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2B:CARE-compliant case report and literature review [9]
- Research article Motor blocks and operative deliveries with ropivacaine and fentanyl for labor epidural analgesia: A meta-analysis [10]
References
- Wang W, Zhu M, Xu Z, Li W, Dong X, Chen Y, et al.. Ropivacaine promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through damaging mitochondria and activating caspase-3 activity. . 2019. PMID 31300048 · DOI · PMC6625015
- Wang X, Li T. Ropivacaine inhibits the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells through ITGB1. . 2021. PMID 33345684 · DOI · PMC8806321
- Jadon A, Jain P, Chakraborty S, Motaka M, Parida SS, Sinha N, et al.. Role of ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block as a component of multimodal analgesic regimen for lower segment caesarean section: a randomized double blind clinical study. . 2018. PMID 29759061 · DOI · PMC5952861
- Ren L, Nan Z, Li Y, Wang Y. Thoracic paravertebral block with different doses of liposomal bupivacaine versus ropivacaine for postoperative analgesia in single-port thoracoscopic lung surgery: a randomized clinical trial. . 2026. PMID 42342240 · DOI · PMC13295115
- Zhao J, Liao C, Wu Q, Wang L, Deng F, Zhang W. Evaluation of ropivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine versus ropivacaine alone for epidural anesthesia: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021. PMID 33832091 · DOI · PMC8036061
- Winnie L, Kao YH, Liao CC, Tamura T, Chang ML, Hsieh KY. Comparative Analgesic Efficacies of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine for Postoperative Rectus Sheath Block in Paediatric Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial and Retrospective Cohort Studies. Pain Res Manag. 2021. PMID 33815632 · DOI · PMC7987409
- Daghmouri MA, Chaouch MA, Deniau B, Benayoun L, Krimi B, Gouader A, et al.. Efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal ropivacaine in pain management following laparoscopic digestive surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024. PMID 39029019 · DOI · PMC11398749
- Butiulca M, Farczadi L, Vari CE, Imre S, Azamfirei L, Lazar A. The Study of Ropivacaine Pharmacokinetics in a Clinical Setting: A Critical Scoping Review from the Perspective of Analytical Methodologies. Int J Mol Sci. 2024. PMID 39769250 · DOI · PMC11678900
- Cao XQ, Joypaul K, Cao F, Gui LL, Hu JT, Mei W. Anesthetic management of a patient with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2B:CARE-compliant case report and literature review. BMC Anesthesiol. 2019. PMID 31421689 · DOI · PMC6698341
- Zhang Y, Qin QR, Hui LT. Motor blocks and operative deliveries with ropivacaine and fentanyl for labor epidural analgesia: A meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2018. PMID 30084116 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.