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Opioid Analgesic

Epidural Fentanyl for Labor Pain

Phase 4
Recruiting
Led By John Coffman, MD
Research Sponsored by Ohio State University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Effective labor epidural analgesia with continuous epidural infusion established
A single vertex presentation fetus at term (38-42 weeks)
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up until delivery
Awards & highlights

Study Summary

This trial is testing if a higher dose of epidural fentanyl provides more pain relief during labor and delivery.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for first-time mothers in spontaneous labor, with a single baby in the correct head-down position at term (38-42 weeks), who can understand and agree to the study. They should have effective pain relief from an existing epidural but no chronic pain issues, allergies to opioids or local anesthetics, spine problems, or history of spine surgery.Check my eligibility
What is being tested?
The study compares two doses of fentanyl given through an epidural during later stages of labor: a lower dose (20 mcg) versus a higher dose (100 mcg). The goal is to determine which dosage provides better pain relief during childbirth.See study design
What are the potential side effects?
Possible side effects include nausea, itching, respiratory depression (slow breathing), drowsiness, and decreased blood pressure. These are common opioid-related side effects that may vary depending on the individual's reaction.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I have an effective labor epidural in place.
Select...
My baby is in the head-down position and I am 38-42 weeks pregnant.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~during labor until post-partum day one
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and during labor until post-partum day one for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Outcome measures can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Secondary outcome measures
Adverse Events
Mode of Delivery
Patient Satisfaction
+2 more

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: High Dose FentanylExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
High dose epidural fentanyl combined with local anesthetic as 10mL of 0.125% bupivacaine with 100 mcg fentanyl (Fentanyl 100 mcg)
Group II: Low Dose FentanylActive Control1 Intervention
Low dose epidural fentanyl combined with local anesthetic as 10mL of 0.125% bupivacaine with 20 mcg fentanyl (Fentanyl 20 mcg)

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Ohio State UniversityLead Sponsor
830 Previous Clinical Trials
505,470 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Labor Pain
50 Patients Enrolled for Labor Pain
John Coffman, MDPrincipal InvestigatorThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
1 Previous Clinical Trials
150 Total Patients Enrolled

Media Library

Fentanyl (Opioid Analgesic) Clinical Trial Eligibility Overview. Trial Name: NCT03120780 — Phase 4
Labor Pain Research Study Groups: Low Dose Fentanyl, High Dose Fentanyl
Labor Pain Clinical Trial 2023: Fentanyl Highlights & Side Effects. Trial Name: NCT03120780 — Phase 4
Fentanyl (Opioid Analgesic) 2023 Treatment Timeline for Medical Study. Trial Name: NCT03120780 — Phase 4

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.
~28 spots leftby Dec 2025