Relief of Postpartum Perineal Pain in a Low Resource Setting: Comparison of the Efficacy of Oral Paracetamol Versus Oral Diclofenac

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Comparism of paracetamol and diclofenac in management of perineal pain after vaginal delivery.

Methodology

Participants were randomized into diclofenac (50mg 12 hourly) or paracetamol (1000mg 8 hourly) group. Baseline pain at 2 hours then12, 24, 36 and 48 hours after deliveryor at dischargewere assessed. Perineal pain relief, the need for additional analgesic and maternal or neonatal drug adverse effectwere noted. Analysis was done using SPSS version 22.

Results

Respondents in the diclofenac group had a lower pain score than the paracetamoljk group at the 24, 36 and 48 hour interview (p= 0.003, <0.001 and <0.001). The level of maternal satisfaction was higher in the diclofenac group (p= 0.004). There was no obvious maternal or neonatal side effect seen in either group.

Conclusion

Oral diclofenac is more effective in the relief of perineal pain following vaginal child birth than oral paracetamol.