Comparing the Effects of Lidocaine Cream and Mefenamic Acid on Post Episiotomy Pain

• Main Authors: Masoumeh Delaram, Narges Khatoon Dadkhah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2015-04-01
• Series: Women’s Health Bulletin
• Subjects: lidocaine; mefenamic acid; pain
• Online Access: http://womenshealthbulletin.sums.ac.ir/article_45197_f5941ba0cadf0715b6f942c875a8671b.pdf
• ISSN: 2345-5136; 2382-9990

<strong>Background:</strong> A large number of women were affected from the Post episiotomy pain and the common method for pain relief is use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. <strong>Objectives:</strong> With considering the adverse effects of these drugs, the aim of present study was to compare the effects of lidocaine cream and mefenamic acid capsule on post episiotomy pain. <strong>Patients and Methods:</strong> In a clinical trial study, sixty of women with singleton pregnancy and 38-42 weeks of gestation who had episiotomy, were randomized by consecutively numbered sealed envelopes to one of the two study arms that is 2% lidocaine cream (n = 30) or 250 mg mefenamic acid (n = 30). Data collection was performed by questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS). The intensity of pain was compared with the first compliant of mother and 6, 12, and 24 hours after the delivery. For data analysis, we used SPSS package, t test and paired t test and P < 0.05 was considered significant. <strong>Results:</strong> With the first compliant of women, the mean intensity of pain was 4.92 ± 1.9 in lidocaine group and 4.90 ± 1.5 in mefenamic acid group and the difference was not significant (P = 0.20). Also there was not a significant difference in mean intensity of post episiotomy pain in the two groups in 6 (P = 0.05), 12 (P = 0.36) and 24 (P = 0.98) after childbirth. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> The effect of lidocaine cream and mefenamic acid capsule was similar in the relief of post episiotomy pain and the Lidocaine cream is a good alternative for mefenamic acid that is commonly used to reduce of pain after episiotomy especially in women who are breast feeding and oral analgesic drugs are secreted in their milk.