ropivacaine + dexamethasone

ropivacaine + dexamethasone is a combination therapy consisting of a long-acting amide local anesthetic and a synthetic glucocorticoid adjuvant. Ropivacaine exerts its effect by binding to and blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, specifically the alpha subunit, which prevents the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses, resulting in local anesthesia. Dexamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid receptor agonist that, when used as a perineural adjuvant, prolongs the duration of the sensory and motor block and provides anti-inflammatory effects that help mitigate postoperative pain. This specific combination was evaluated by The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in a clinical trial (NCT02484391) focusing on ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) for patients undergoing elective thoracotomy. The primary goal of adding dexamethasone to ropivacaine in this setting is to enhance the quality and duration of analgesia while reducing the need for postoperative opioids.

Brand names

Naropin

Other names

dexamethasone sodium phosphate + ropivacaine hydrochloride