Mean duration of labor after Drotaverine hydrochloride injection in the primigravid women presenting in the active phase of labor

Abstract

Background: The process of hastening labor involves stimulating the uterus to enhance the frequency, duration, and intensity of contractions once active phase of labor has begun. Drotaverine is an effective drug for treating spasms of the smooth muscles. However, its efficacy in shortening the duration of labor in primigravidas is not well-established in the local settings.

Objective: Determining the mean duration of labor after Drotaverine hydrochloride injection in primigravid women presenting in the active phase of labor at a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology: This case-series study was undertaken from Feb 2023 till Dec 2023, at department of Obs and Gyne Swat Medical College Saidu Shareef Swat. The study included 150 patients who were already in the active phase of labor with cervical dilation of 3 to 5 cm with 2 to 3 uterine contractions lasting for at least 30 seconds every 10 minutes. All patients received a 40 mg injection of Drotaverine hydrochloride intramuscularly at 3 to 5 cm dilation. Then, patients were monitored until delivery, and the duration of labor from the time of injection until delivery was noted.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 23.67 + 3.23 years. The mean length of first, second, and third stage of labor was 4.34±0.094 hours, 22.07±4.25 minutes, and 10.42±3.35 minutes, respectively. The total duration of labor was 4.94±0.33 hours.

Conclusion: Drotaverine hydrochloride effectively reduced the average length of labor in the primigravidas presented in the active phase of labor. Therefore, it can be administered to alleviate spasms and accelerate cervical dilatation, thereby facilitating safe and prompt delivery, and reducing the incidence of feto-maternal complications.