•  
  •  
 

Corresponding Author

Ahmed Jaber Ibrahim

Authors ORCID

Ahmed Jaber Ibrahim: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4245-7618

Abstract

Postoperative shivering is a common complication that can affect patient comfort and stability. Pethidine and tramadol are widely used to relieve this symptom, but their relative effectiveness and safety remain under investigation. In this randomized trial, 50 patients (aged 25–35 years) with postoperative shivering were divided into two groups: one group receiving intravenous tramadol (n = 25 patients) and one group receiving pethidine (n = 25 patients). Onset of drug action, vital signs, and side effects were systematically assessed. Pethidine had a significantly faster onset of action than tramadol (12.20 ± 0.35 min vs 7.16 ± 0.28 min, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding body temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation, or blood pressure (P < 0.05). Side effects, such as dizziness (16% vs. 8%), nausea and vomiting (20% vs. 8%), and nausea alone (48% vs. 20%), were more common and showed a statistically significant increase in the tramadol group. Both drugs were effective in suppressing postoperative tremor, but pethidine demonstrated superior efficacy, a faster onset of action, and a better safety profile. These results confirm pethidine as the recommended choice at an intravenous dose of 0.5 mg/kg.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.70176/3007-973X.1040

Share

COinS