Randomized comparison of meperidine and fentanyl during labor

William F. Rayburn, Carl V. Smith, Joel E. Parriott, Ralph E. Woods

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

88 Scopus citations

Abstract

This randomized investigation compared the efficacy of the conventional narcotic, meperidine, and a more potent and short-acting analgesic, fentanyl, during labor. One hundred five women with uncomplicated term pregnancies in active labor were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous fentanyl (50–100 μg every hour) or meperidine (25–50 mg every 2–3 hours) in a non-blinded manner. The analgesics were rated equivalent in efficacy. Maternal nausea, vomiting, and prolonged sedation occurred more frequently in the meperidine group. Naloxone use was significantly less in fentanyl-than in meperidine-exposed infants (one of 49 versus seven of 56; P <.05). Neuroadaptive testing at approximately 2 hours and 24 hours postnatally revealed similar averaged scores in the two groups. Using the described intravenous dosing schedule, fentanyl was preferable to meperidine during labor because there was no prolonged maternal sedation or vomiting necessitating therapy and the requirement for neonatal naloxone was reduced.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)604-606
Number of pages3
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume74
Issue number4
StatePublished - Oct 1989

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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