Publication:

Intravenous infusion of tramadol - a safe labour analgesia

Background Tramadol has less maternal sedative effect and less neonatal depression, combines the mechanism of action of opioids and tricyclic antidepressants, now widely used for postoperative and obstetric analgesia. The aim the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of tramadol as a safe analgesia for labour.

Methods The study was conducted on hundred primigravida with vertex presentation in active phase of labour. The following points were noted, (1) the time of onset of pain relief; (2) the degree of pain relief. (3) Maternal and foetal adverse effects.

Results Good relief of pain in 27 patient and moderate relief of pain in 16 patient and mild relief of pain in 7 patients was observed. The average time of onset in pain relief was 13 minutes. Majority of the parturients did not suffer from any adverse effects in our study.

Conclusions The tramadol hydrochloride intravenous infusion is safe and effective analgesia for labour.