Comparing the effects of lidocaine cream and mefenamic acid on post episiotomy pain

Abstract

Introduction: A large number of womensuffered from the post episiotomy pain and the common method for pain relief is oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 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. Methods: This clinical trial was carried out in 2011 on 60 women with singleton pregnancy at 38-42 weeks of gestation who underwent episiotomy. Cases were randomly divided into both groups and received lidocaine cream and mefenamic acid capsule. Data were collected by questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale. Pain intensity was compared with the first complaint of mother and 6, 12 and 24 hours after the delivery in both groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 16), t-test and paired t-test. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: With the first complaint of women, the mean of pain intensity was 4.92آ±1.9 in lidocaine group and 4.90آ±1.5 in mefenamic acid group that was not significant (p=0.20). Mean intensity of post episiotomy pain in two groups receiving lidocaine cream and mefenamic acid capsule were not significant at hours 6 (3.26آ±1.3 vs. 3.10آ±1.6, p=0.05), 12 (2.26آ±1.7 vs. 2.86آ±1.4, p=0.36) and 24 (1.46آ±1.2 vs. 1.49آ±1.2, p=1) after delivery. Conclusion: The effects of lidocaine cream and mefenamic acid capsule in relief of post episiotomy pain were similar. With considering the side effects of mefenamic acid, lidocaine cream is an appropriate alternative drug in relief of post episiotomy pain.