Clonidine versus tramadol for post spinal shivering during caesarean section: A randomized double blind clinical study

Abstract

Background : Control of post spinal shivering is essential for optimal perioperative care, which can be achieved either by oral or parental medications. The present study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous low-dose clonidine and tramadol in the treatment of post spinal shivering. Materials and Methods : In this prospective, a double blind, randomized study, 90 ASA grade I or II, parturients aged 18 - 35 years, undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia, who subsequently developed shivering grade 3 or 4, were randomized into two groups, to receive either clonidine or tramadol. The efficacy and response rate of the study drugs were evaluated and recorded. Side effects like, nausea, vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, dry mouth, sedation, skin rash and headache, if present, were recorded. All data were analyzed by using the Chi square test and the Z-test. Results : There were significant differences in the response rate between the drugs (P < 0.05). Time taken from the starting of treatment to cessation of shivering was significantly less with the tramadol group (P < 0.05), however, the frequency of nausea, vomiting, sedation and headache were also significantly more in the tramadol group Conclusion : In our study we concluded that both clonidine and tramadol control shivering. However, the response rate was higher and time taken to control shivering was lesser with tramadol, but the response rate and the side effects were lesser with clonidine.

Keywords

• Anaesthesia spinal
• caesarean section
• clonidine
• shivering
• tramadol