Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen in the Relief of Postpartum Episiotomy Pain

Abstract

A single‐dose, double‐blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted to examine the relative analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen 400 mg (n = 36), acetaminophen 1000 mg (n = 37), and placebo (n = 38) in postpartum patients who had moderate to severe pain after episiotomy. At regular intervals over 4 hours, patients evaluated pain severity and relief on categorical scales and completed a categorical overall evaluation at the end of the trial. Both active agents were effective compared with placebo (P < .05). Ibuprofen 400 mg was more effective than acetaminophen 1000 mg for the sum of pain intensity difference, total pain relief, and reduction of pain by more than 50% (P < .05), suggesting a more rapid onset of action and a more prolonged effect by ibuprofen 400 mg. No adverse effects were reported. Based on the results of this conventional postpartum episiotomy pain model, both agents are considered efficacious and ibuprofen 400 mg is a more effective analgesic for the relief of acute pain than acetaminophen 1000 mg.