The effect of phloroglucinol on pain in first-trimester surgical abortion: a double-blind randomized controlled study

First-trimester surgical abortion is a common procedure. Pain control during this procedure is still an unsolved problem.

In this randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, women presenting for first-trimester surgical abortion received intramuscular phloroglucinol (4 mL) or placebo (normal saline, 4 mL). Visual analog scales (VAS) for pain immediately and 30 min after the procedure and side effects of the drug were recorded.

There was no significant difference between groups in the pain level immediately and 30 min after the procedure; 70.7% of the phloroglucinol group (n=58 cases) and 56.9% of the placebo group (n=58 cases ) reported mild pain; 27.6% and 34.5%, respectively, reported moderate pain; and 1.7% and 8.6%, respectively, reported severe pain. Thirty minutes after the procedure, the median pain score was reduced to 1.3 in both groups. Postoperative side effects were reported, but there was no significant difference between groups for nausea or vomiting and blood pressure.

The use of this dose of phloroglucinol, during first-trimester abortion by suction evacuation under local anesthesia with lidocaine, did not relieve pain, but caused no side effects.