A Comparison of Pethidine and Tramadol on Post Operative Shivering

Background and purpose: Shivering is a common and unpleasant side effect in post operation which is associated with other complications such as increased demands for oxygen, tension on suture line and increase of Intra Cranial Pressure. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of tramadol and pethidine in controlling post operative shivering. Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out on 50 patients (aged 20 to 40 years) who were referred to operation room for general surgery or orthopedic surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, one group received IV pethidine 25 mg and the group received IV tramadol 0.5 mg/kg. Post operative shivering was assessed by direct observation. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups in elapsed time to control of shivering (p=0.016). Vomiting was not seen in the both groups. Oxygen saturation was higher in tramadol group compared with pethidine group. Conclusion: Results demonstrated that tramadol is more effective than pethidine in controling shivering and this was associated with higher oxygen saturation. It seems that the tramadol is an appropriate replacement for pethidine which is commonly used to control post operative shivering. Further studies with more samples are recommended.