Clinical Effects and Maternal and Fetal Plasma Concentrations of Epidural Ropivacaine Versus Bupivacaine for Cesarean Section

Abstract

Ropivacaine, 0.5%, epidurally provided satisfactory and similar sensory anesthesia compared to 0.5% bupivacaine for elective cesarean section. The Cmax was similar for both drugs, although the terminal half-life of ropivacaine was significantly shorter, and the blood concentrations of free ropivacaine were significantly greater than that for bupivacaine. These values were less than concentrations shown to be toxic in animals.