Epidural morphine after caesarean section

Morphine sulphate 5 mg and placebo administered epidurally after caesarean section under epidural analgesia were compared in a double-blind fashion. Morphine was significantly superior to placebo for pain relief, duration of pain relief, and reduction of parenteral narcotic requirements. Pruritus was the most commonly encountered side-effect. There was no statistical difference between morphine and placebo in the incidence of urinary catheterisation, vomiting, nausea, dizziness or drowsiness. No serious respiratory depression requiring treatment was observed.