Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
Comparison of epidural and intramuscular pethidine for analgesia in labour
Abstract:
Analgesia mediated by a direct spinal action of narcotic drugs administered via the epidural route may have considerable advantages over conventional(conduction block) epidural analgesia in labour. The efficacy, mode of action and placental transfer of epidurally administered narcotics in labour has not yet been established. We have compared the systemic absorption, analgesia and other effects on the mothers and transfer of drug to the fetus in primigravidae who received epidural or intramuscular pethidine 100 mg in labour. The superior analgesia following epidural pethidine did not appear to be attributable to a selective spinal action but rather to higher plasma concentrations of pethidine together with a possible weak regional conduction block due to local anaesthetic action of 1% pethidine solution. Epidural pethidine is not an advantageous method for providing analgesia in labour.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
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

