The need for oral narcotic consumption for pain control in the post-operative period following cesarean delivery was significantly decreased after intravenous (IV) acetaminophen administration, a recent study found. The double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial included 133 patients who were given all medications in a standardized manner. They received either acetaminophen 1,000 mg IV or 100 ml saline (placebo) every 8 hours for 48 hours for a total of 6 doses. Researchers found:

• 104 patients completed the study: 57 received IV acetaminophen and 47 received placebo.
• The total amount of oral narcotic medications consumed by patients receiving IV acetaminophen was significantly reduced when compared to the placebo group.
• There was no difference in pain scores between the groups before and after study dose administration or in narcotic side effects.