Effect of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine.

To assess the effect of ciprofloxacin on the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine. METHODS. In a double-blind, randomised, cross-over study, nine healthy volunteers were treated for 2.5 days with 500 mg oral ciprofloxacin or placebo twice daily. On day 3, they received a single dose of 0.6 mg/kg ropivacaine intravenously over 30 min. Ropivacaine, 3-hydroxyropivacaine (3-OH-ropivacaine), and (S)-2',6'-pipecoloxylidide (PPX) in venous plasma and urine were measured for up to 12 h and 24 h, respectively. Ciprofloxacin decreased the mean clearance (CL) of ropivacaine by 31% (P<0.05), with a considerable inter-individual variation (range from -52% to +39%). It also decreased the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of 3-OH-ropivacaine by 38% (P<0.05) and urinary excretion of 3-OH-ropivacaine by 27% (P<0.05). Ciprofloxacin increased the AUC of PPX by 71% (P<0.01) and urinary excretion of PPX by 97% (P<0.01). Ciprofloxacin modestly decreased the mean ropivacaine CL by inhibiting the CYP1A2-mediated formation of 3-OH-ropivacaine. At the same time, the CYP3A4-mediated formation of PPX was increased. There was a marked inter-individual variation in the extent of the interaction, and, for some individuals, the concomitant use of ciprofloxacin with ropivacaine might produce toxic symptoms.