Pharmacokinetics and Analgesic Effect of Ropivacaine during Continuous Epidural Infusion for Postoperative Pain Relief

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine were independent of dose, but total clearance decreased with time over 24 h. The consistent increase in total plasma concentration during the postoperative epidural infusion contrasted to much less variation in the unbound plasma concentrations of ropivacaine.