Bupivacaine plus fentanyl for intrapartum continuous epidural analgesia.

ABSTRACT

Labour pain relief using 0.125% bupivacaine plus fentanyl for intrapartum continuous epidural analgesia and intravenous pethidine plus phenergan were evaluated by randomized clinical trial in 40 patients seen at the labour room of Siriraj Hospital. The progression of labour, pain levels at 15 minutes before and after drug administration and in the second stage, the method of delivery and all side effects within two groups were observed and compared. From the study, it was found that continuous epidural analgesia with the new drug combination was more effective in relieving labour. There was no significant difference in the progression of labour and the frequency of instrumental delivery. The main side effects of nausea, vomiting and somnolence were observed to be less in the study group less than other patient but one parturient was found to have developed hypotension.