Ibuprofen versus placebo in the relief of post-episiotomy pain

Abstract

Thirty post-partum patients, aged 19 to 37 years, were treated for episiotomy pain and inflammation with either 1600 mg ibuprofen (400 mg every 6 hours) or placebo daily for 7 days in a completely randomized, double-blind study. Pain intensity, movement restriction and extent of swelling in the episiotomy were recorded prior to treatment and at intervals of 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. The difference scores of pain intensity, movement restriction and extent of swelling were calculated from the differences between pretreatment and post-treatment values. By all methods of evaluation, ibuprofen was significantly more effective than placebo at 1 and 3 days after the initiation of the treatment. Only 2 minor side-effects were recorded, both in the placebo group.