Diphenhydramine as an Adjunct to Moderate Sedation for Procedural First Trimester Abortions
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · Women
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults age 18 years and older * Desire procedural abortion with moderate sedation * Gestational age less than or equal to 13 weeks * Intrauterine pregnancy or pregnancy of unknown location * Body mass index less than or equal to 40 Exclusion Criteria: * Desire medical abortion or desire to continue pregnancy * Gestational age greater than 13 weeks * Body mass index greater than 40 * Age younger than 18 years * Confirmed ectopic pregnancy * Medical condition that is a contraindication to moderate sedation as determined by the treating clinician
About the study
This single center, double blind, randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether adding intravenous diphenhydramine to a standard moderate sedation regimen improves pain control during first trimester procedural abortion. Participants undergoing uterine aspiration at less than 13 weeks gestation will be randomized 1 to 1 to receive standard moderate sedation with midazolam and fentanyl plus either diphenhydramine 50 mg intravenously or matching placebo. The primary outcome is participant reported pain during uterine aspiration measured by a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale.
What is being tested
- Diphenhydramine (drug)
- Placebo (drug)
Sponsor: University of Rochester · Participants: 98 · Started: Jun 29, 2026
Contact the study team
- Sarah Cavegila, MPH · Phone: 585-273-5734
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07542730
Locations in the U.S.
| New York | Gender Wellness OB/GYN, Rochester |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.