Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Intrathecal morphine as analgesia for labor pain
R D Edwards1, N K Hansel, H T Pruessner
1Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Medical School, Houston.
Abstract:
In this descriptive study of intrathecal morphine sulfate used for pain control during labor, 49 parturients received morphine intrathecally, 78 were administered butorphanol tartrate (Stadol), and 34 received no analgesia. Significant differences for the intrathecal group included: (1) decreased requirement of nitrous oxide for delivery, (2) lower number of doses of postpartum intramuscular pain medication, and (3) increased use of forceps. The intrathecal morphine group showed no prolongation of labor and no major side effects in mothers or newborns. The results suggest that the use of lower levels of intrathecal morphine sulfate (0.5 mg) is as safe and effective as the more traditional intravenous analgesia for labor.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Analgesia and Pain Management
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...

