Extradural methadone and bupivacaine in labour.
We performed a double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effects of extradural administration of methadone 5 mg or saline, followed by bupivacaine, in 42 women in early labour. Motor block and pain scores were significantly less in the methadone group. The requirement for bupivacaine also was reduced by methadone, but this was not statistically significant. There were no troublesome side effects attributable to methadone.
Martin
C S
CS
Department of Anaesthetics, Western Infirmary, Glasgow.
McGrady
E M
EM
Colquhoun
A
A
Thorburn
J
J
D000328:Adult; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical; D002045:Bupivacaine; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008691:Methadone; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009407:Nerve Block; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
D008691:Methadone; D002045:Bupivacaine