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Original Review
A Review of Systemic Opioids Commonly Used for Labor Pain Relief
Article first published online: 28 APR 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1542-2011.2011.00061.x
© 2011 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives
Additional Information
How to Cite
Anderson, D. (2011), A Review of Systemic Opioids Commonly Used for Labor Pain Relief. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 56: 222–239. doi: 10.1111/j.1542-2011.2011.00061.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 28 APR 2011
- Article first published online: 28 APR 2011
Vol. 56, Issue 4, 411–418, Article first published online: 6 JUL 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- butorphanol;
- fentanyl;
- labor pain;
- meperidine;
- morphine;
- nalbuphine;
- opioids;
- pharmacology;
- remifentanil
Parenteral opioids for pain relief during labor have been the subject of research for many decades. Commonly used systemic opioids provide limited pain relief during labor yet are used extensively for managing labor pain. These opioids share similar pharmacologic profiles but differ in potency, pharmacokinetics, and side effects. This article reviews the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical research related to the commonly used systemic labor pain analgesics morphine, meperidine, fentanyl, remifentanil, butorphanol, and nalbuphine.