Abstract
Abstract In this prospective, randomised and double-blind clinical study the analgesic efficacy of a continuous infusion of tramadol combined with the non-opioid dipyrone (metamizol) was compared with tramadol alone or with placebo during first 24 h postoperatively. Ninety patients were allocated to the three study groups. In group 1, patients received 600 mg tramadol with 2.5 mg droperidol (DHB); in group 2, 600 mg tramadol together with 4.0 g dipyrone and 2.5 mg DHB; and in group 3, only 2.5 mg DHB. Additionally, a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device with morphine was provided to each patient as a rescue in the case of insufficient pain relief. Pain at rest and during movement was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–10) during the study time. Side effects and vital parameters were also recorded. After the 24 h study period, a significant pain relief was observed in all three groups. The consumption of morphine via PCA, however, was significantly lower in group 2 (tramadol/dipyrone) than in the tramadol or the placebo group, and also the patients in group 1 (tramadol) had received significantly less morphine than those in the placebo group. Our data suggest a significantly superior analgesic efficacy of a continuous infusion of tramadol combined with dipyrone compared to an infusion of tramadol alone or placebo.
Published Version
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