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Norepinephrine vs. Phenylephrine for Spinal Hypotension in Cesarean Section

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Bolus Doses of Norepinephrine 4 mcg and Phenylephrine 50 mcg in Managing Hypotension After Spinal Anesthesia in Cesarean Section Patients

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07153601
Acronym
Norepinephrine
Enrollment
46
Registered
2025-09-04
Start date
2025-02-07
Completion date
2025-05-10
Last updated
2025-09-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Anesthesia Spinal, Cardiovascular, Cesarean Resection, Hypotenstion, Pregnancy Complications

Brief summary

This clinical trial was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety of two medications-norepinephrine and phenylephrine-in treating low blood pressure (hypotension) that often occurs during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section (C-section) deliveries. Spinal anesthesia is commonly used during C-sections but can cause a drop in the mother's blood pressure, which may affect both the mother and the baby. In this study, 46 pregnant women undergoing elective C-sections were randomly given either norepinephrine (4 mcg) or phenylephrine (50 mcg) when their blood pressure dropped. Researchers monitored their heart rate, blood pressure, and any side effects for 30 minutes after anesthesia. The results showed that both drugs were effective in raising blood pressure. However, norepinephrine kept the heart rate more stable, while phenylephrine caused a noticeable slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia). Both drugs were safe and well tolerated. This study suggests that norepinephrine may be a better option for managing low blood pressure during spinal anesthesia in C-sections, especially when maintaining heart rate and cardiac output is important.

Interventions

DRUGNorepinephrine 4mcg

Norepinephrine 4 mcg IV bolus diluted in 2 mL normal saline, administered upon onset of hypotension during spinal anesthesia.

DRUGPhenylephrine 50 mcg

Phenylephrine 50 mcg IV bolus diluted in 2 mL normal saline, administered upon onset of hypotension during spinal anesthesia.

Sponsors

Universitas Sumatera Utara
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Female patients aged 18-40 years * Undergoing elective cesarean section * Receiving spinal anesthesia * Classified as ASA Physical Status II * Stable baseline hemodynamics prior to anesthesia * Not using inotropic, chronotropic, or vasoactive drugs before surgery

Exclusion criteria

* Emergency cesarean section * Fetal distress * Preeclampsia or eclampsia * Contraindications to spinal anesthesia (e.g., coagulopathy, infection at injection site) * Known allergy to norepinephrine or phenylephrine * Hemodynamic instability prior to vasopressor administration * Withdrawal from study or refusal to participate * Failure to develop post-spinal hypotension

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) After Vasopressor AdministrationBaseline to 2 minutes post-administration (T0-T2)Change in systolic blood pressure measured before vasopressor administration (T0-T1) and two minutes after administration (T2) in response to intravenous bolus of norepinephrine 4 mcg or phenylephrine 50 mcg during spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in cesarean section patients.

Countries

Indonesia

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026