COMPARISON OF TRAMADOL AND DEXMEDETOMIDINE FOR TREATMENT OF SHIVERING DURING SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN CAESAREAN SECTION

BACKGROUND Shivering is one of the most frequent complications of spinal anaesthesia, which is very distressing for the patients as well as surgeons. Shivering increases metabolic rate, which causes increased oxygen consumption. Tramadol is opioid analgesic. It is commonly used for treatment of shivering. Dexmedetomidine is alpha-2 receptor agonist. It causes vasoconstriction by acting on vascular smooth muscles and prevents shivering. In this study, efficacy of Tramadol and Dexmedetomidine for treatment of post spinal shivering was compared. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted in 50 patients of ASA grade I and II, ages between 18-40 years scheduled for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Patients were divided in two groups of 25 each, receiving either Tramadol 0.5 mg/kg or Dexmedetomidine 0.5 mu g/kg intravenously. Time of onset of shivering, time taken for cessation of shivering, recurrence and adverse effects were observed. RESULTS Both groups were demographically similar and comparable at baseline. Duration of surgery and onset of shivering were also similar in both groups. Dexmedetomidine taking significantly less time in treatment of shivering and having less recurrence rate in comparison to Tramadol. Nausea and vomiting were side effects of Tramadol only. Sedation was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION In conclusion both drugs are effective in treatment of shivering but Dexmedetomidine taking less time for cessation of shivering, less recurrence rate and having less side effects.