A Prospective, Randomized, Double blinded, Comparative Study of Clonidine and Tramadol for Control of Shivering under Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

Corresponding Author Dr Sowmya M Jois No 335, I Floor, 10th main Srinivasnagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Email: drsowmyasharma@gmail.com ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Shivering is a common complication of spinal anesthesia. We compared the efficacy of intravenous clonidine and tramadol for the treatment of shivering under spinal anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, double blinded, comparative study, 80 patients coming for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries under spinal anesthesia were included. Patients were grouped into group C and group T who received clonidine 0.5mcg/kg and tramadol 0.5mg/kg respectively after the onset of shivering. Time of onset of shivering, cessation of shivering after administration of drug, vital signs and side effects were noted. RESULTS: Time of cessation of shivering was shorter in group C compared to group T (2.51±0.66minutes and mean time taken by Tramadol to control shivering was 4.82±0.90 min). Group C had more incidence of decrease in heart rate and blood pressure and higher sedation scores. Group T had higher incidence of nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that both study drugs Clonidine and Tramadol are effective in controlling shivering under spinal anesthesia but clonidine took shorter time to achieve cessation of shivering compared to tramadol. There is a significant improvement in SPO2 values following control of shivering. Clonidine causes decrease in heart rate and systolic blood pressure. The occurrence of bradycardia, hypotension, dry mouth, sedation is higher in clonidine group. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting are higher in Tramadol group compared to clonidine group. Clonidine is safer and effective alternative to Tramadol in controlling shivering in patients receiving spinal anesthesia for surgery. KEYWORDS-spinal, shivering, anesthesia, clonidine, tramadol