An analysis and evaluation of vinbarbital sodium for obstetric amnesia and analgesia

Abstract

With the myriad of drugs which have been recommended for obstetrical analgesia and amnesia, a certain amount of confusion and indecision has arisen as to the most satisfactory form of medication. As a result of this indecision some obstetricians have finally eliminated any routine form of analgesia. The writer feels that an obstetric analgesic and amnesic agent should meet certain qualifications. These qualifications might be listed as follows: 1. There must be an adequate margin of safety for the mother causing no respiratory or circulatory depression.2. It should not delay or prolong any stage of labor and should not predispose to postpartum complications such as hemorrhage, thrombosis, etc.3. It should have no depressing effect on the infant.4. It should provide analgesia with a minimum amount of excitation. If amnesia can be obtained in addition to the above, the agent becomes even more satisfactory from the patient's standpoint.Many forms of medication which have been used in the past will provide analgesia and amnesia, but some have the disadvantage of prolonging labor and many cause depression of the newborn.As a result of favorable reports by Bernstine and Prince 1 and Lewis 8, 9 on the use of vinbarbital sodium *