In order to compare the analgesic efficacy of epidural and IM meperidine following cesarean section, the authors studied 30 patients scheduled for elective cesarean section under epidural anesthesia produced by 0.5% bupivacaine. At the end of surgery, all extradural catheters were left in place, and patients received, within 30 minutes of the end of surgery from coded ampules, both an epidural injection of saline with or without 50 mg of meperidine and an IM injection of saline with and without 100 mg of meperidine. Thereafter, following pain assessment by a VAS, patients received “on demand” paired injections from coded ampules. Side effects were noted and treatment continued for 24 hours, at which time the catheter was removed.