Background and purpose: To prevent or minimize hypotension during cesarean section by applying spinal anesthesia, different methods are used. This study compared the maternal hemodynamic changes and fetal well-being following bolus of administration phenylephrine and ephedrine. Materials and methods: In a randomized study, 100 pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section were divided into two groups. Prevention of hypotension after spinal anesthesia, bolus dose of 100 micrograms phenylephrine for the first group and 10 mg ephedrine for second group was administered. Changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and umbilical cord blood gases were compared. Results: Changes in mean blood pressure of mothers were similar in both groups (P= 0.86). Incidence of bradycardia was similar in both groups (group E 12% and group P 18%, P=0.4). 9 patients received Phenylephrine in one group and 25 patients in the other group had heart rate greater than 120 (P=0.001). Changes in PH were similar in both groups (P= 0.83).Phenylephrine group had higher base excess (P=0.001). Conclusion: Both dose of 100 µg of phenylephrine and 10 mg of ephedrine have similar effects on maternal blood pressure, Apgar score and umbilical cord blood PH of neonate. Therefore, both drugs as a vasopressor can be used based on maternal hemodynamic (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT201208136148N2)

Keywords: Phenylephrine, ephedrine, spinal anesthesia, caesarean delivery

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