Extradural methadone and bupivacaine in labour

Abstract

We performed a double-blind placebocontrolled study of the effects of extradural administration of methadone 5 mg or saline, followed by bupivacaine, in 42 women in early labour. Motor block and pain scores were significantly less in the methadone group. The requirement for bupivacaine also was reduced by methadone, but this was not statistically significant. There were no troublesome side effects attributable to methadone. © 1990 Copyright: 1990 British Journal of Anaesthesia.