Physostigmine reversal of sedation in parturients

Parturients in whom meperidine HCl, propiomazine HCl, and scopolamine were used for analgesia and amnesia in labor and delivery were studied to determine the efficacy and safety of physostigmine reversal after delivery. Of a total of 120 patients, 108 received physostigmine salicylate at the completion of episiotomy closure, awakening in an average of 7.5 minutes compared with 137.8 in 12 controls. Physostigmine appears to be a safe, rapidly effective agent for reversing the prolonged somnolence of this sedation regimen.