Answer
It is a local anaesthetic that prevents nearby nerves carrying pain signals. This regional nerve blockade provides pain relief without necessarily making the person unconscious.
Sources for this answer
- Ropivacaine Hydrochloride 2 mg/ml solution for injection/infusion — Current selected SmPCemc · Summary of Product Characteristics
- NHSNHS · NHS medicine guidance
General medicine information. Follow the instructions for your own medicine and speak to a pharmacist or clinician about your individual circumstances.