10. Tramadol analgesia in labour

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of intramuscular (i.m) tramadol hydrochloride as analgesia for labour. The study was conducted on 100 primigravidae with 37 to 41 weeks of pregnancy, with vertex presentation in active phase of labour, without any maternal or foetal complications. 100 mg of tramadol hydrochloride was given by i.m route during active labour. The following points were noted: (i) time of onset of pain relief, (ii) degree of pain relief scores (0 = no pain relief, 1 = mild relief, 2 = moderate relief, 3 = good relief), (iii) maternal adverse effects and (iv) foetal adverse effects. Good pain relief was noted in 58% of the parturients, moderate relief in 30% and mild relief in 12%. The average duration of pain relief was 4 h and the average onset of pain relief was 15 min. Majority of the parturients did not suffer from any adverse effects and only 16 % had minor adverse effects. Apgar score in the new born was > 7 in 96% at 1 min and 100% at 5 min. From the study it was concluded that tramadol hydrochloride i.m injection is safe and effective analgesia for labour.