A comparison of meptazinol and pethidine for pain relief during the first stage of labour.

Meptazinol and pethidine were compared in a double-blind randomized trial with regard to analgesia during the first stage of labour. It was concluded that neither drug is effective for sustained pain relief, and that there is no advantage of one over the other. However, neither drug affected maternal condition as reflected by respiratory rate, pulse rate and blood pressure, nor was any detrimental effect noted on the condition of the newborn infant. The critical reassessment of traditional drugs for analgesia in labour is suggested.