Abstract
Background: The phenomenon of labor is dynamic from the onset till the delivery of the new born. The myometrial contractions of Labor are painful which is why the term “Labor- pains” is used to describe this process. Any measure that would shorten the duration of labor without jeopardising the maternal or fetal interest is most welcome both by the patient and the obstetrician so that close monitoring will be feasible. So, for induction of labor with method like oxytocin, prostaglandins, insertion of bougies have been used. It has been proved that cervical dilatation is one of the important factors that determine the duration of labor.The drugs drotaverine/valethamate can be used to cause cervical dilatation and thereby increasing the coordination of contractions which improves the uterine activity.Aim of the study: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous Drotaverine Hcl and Valethamate bromide on duration of 1st stage of labor, rate of cervical dilatation and its effects on mother and fetus. Material & methods: Study was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Kadapa. A total of 300 cases were selected and divided into 3- groups as control group, Drotaverine Hcl group and Valethamate bromide group.Results: 62% of the cases were booked in Group I. 62% of the cases in Group II and 66% in Group III. Mean duration of reduction is almost 3 hours in Primi gravidae and 1.5 hrs in multi gravidae, when compared to valethamate it is 2.5 hrs in primi gravidae 1 hr. 15 min. in multi gravidae. Drotaverine co - ordinated the uterine activity by hastening the cervical dilatation. The side effects on mother are much less when compared to valethamate, except for mild headache and nausea.Conclusion: The present study found that drotaverine is superior to valethamate as it reduces the duration of labor more effectively.
