A Blinded Study Using Celecoxib for Prevention of Morphine Induced Pruritus in Patients Undergoing Cesarean Section

Objective: we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of celecoxib in reducing intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus in parturient undergoing cesarean section delivery under spinal anesthesia. materials and methods: in a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study 126 women undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia (0.5% bupivacaine 12mg plus 0.2 mg preservative- free morphine )were randomly allocated to receive celecoxib 400 mg or placebo, 2 hours prior to surgery. severity of pruritus and pain score and frequency of opioid’s side effects were recorded. results: patients receiving celecoxib had significantly lower pruritus incidence and severity at 30 min,2,4 and 8 hours (40% versus 82%), but not at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. also there was a reduction in pain score but it was not significant (1.5±0.5 versus 1.9±0.65).analgesic requirement was similar between two groups. conclusion: oral administration of celecoxib significantly reduced intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus in parturient undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. there was no significant difference in pain scores and analgesic requirement.