Etidocaine 0.5% plain, etidocaine 0.5% with epinephrine 1:200,000 and lidocaine 1% with epinephrine 1:200,000 were compared in a series of patients receiving epidural anesthesia for vaginal delivery. Results, based on data from 48 patients, showed a significant increase in the duration of action (P< .01%), the degree of sensory analgesia (P< .02%) and the degree of motor blockade (P< .01%) in the group that received etidocaine with epinephrine compared to the remaining groups. There were no significant differences in the duration of labor or the number of complications. It was concluded that etidocaine and lidocaine in the concentrations used were unsatisfactory for labor and delivery.