Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of intravenous paracetamol (Perfalgan) for pain control after cesarean delivery.
Patients and Methods
This prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was performed on
eighty ASA I-II women who had elective cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia with spinal morphine. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups by a table of randomization. Forty patients received (1g/100ml) intravenous paracetamol (group I) at the end of surgery and every 6 hours for 24 hours and 40 patients received 100ml normal saline as placebo (group II) at the stated time. Standard analgesia meperidine (pethidine) was available as a rescue drug to both groups. The number of patients who required rescue analgesic drug, pain scores and satisfaction of patients were evaluated for 24 hours postoperatively.

Results
In the group I, no patients required rescue drug compared to 25% in the group II (P<0.05). Median pain scores were less in the group I at 6 hours [1(range 1-6) vs. 3 (range 1-8), p = 0.002] at 12 hours [2 (range 0-5) vs. 3 (range 0-7), p = 0.031] and at 24 hours [1.5 (range 0-4) vs. 3 (range 1-8), p< 0.0001], respectively. Satisfaction was comparable in both groups.
Conclusion
We conclude that Intravenous paracetamol is an effective treatment option and can be used to reduce the requirement of rescue opioid drugs for pain control after cesarean section. (Rawal Med J 2011;36:269-273).

Key words: Paracetamol, cesarean section, postoperative pain.