A DOUBLE-BLIND COMPARISON OF THE ANTI-EMETIC EFFECT DURING LABOUR OF METOCLOPRAMIDE AND PERPHENAZINE

Abstract

The anti-emetic properties of metoclopramide were investigated by means of a doubleblind trial in normal labour in 584 women. The drug was also compared with an established anti-emetic drug, perphenazine. All patients were given pethidine as an analgesic. The incidence of vomiting after metoclopramide 10 mg or perphenazine 5 mg was significantly less than after normal saline. The incidences after perphenazine and metoclopramide were not significantly different. In the three groups studied there was no difference in the parity, length of labour, mode of delivery or Apgar score of the babies.