Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background & Aim: Postop shivering is a common complication that needs attention and treatment. Mepridine is an effective drug in treatment of shivering but it has important side effects such as respiratory depression. It is also contraindicated in some patients. The aim of this survey was to compare effects of mepredine and tramadol in treatment of postop shivering in order to find a good substitution for mepridine. Patients and Methods: Ninety women undergoing elective cesarean section under general anesthesia, in ASA class I and II, were enrolled in this double-blind clinical trial. They were randomly divided in three equal groups(n=30 in each group) 1st group received mepredine 0.5 mg/kg, 2nd group received tramadol 0.5mg/kg and 3rd group received tramadol 1mg/kg for treatment of shivering. Data of patients during shivering, time interval between injection of drug and cessation of shivering, incidence of respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting were registered and statistical analysis was done by chi-square test. Results: Shivering ceased in 1st group after 3.9±1.6min, in 2nd group after 4.8±2.6 min and in 3rd group after 2.6±1.1 min(p<0.05). Incidence of respiratory depression in 1st group was %6.66, in 2nd and 3rd groups it was zero(p<0.05). Incidence of nausea and vomiting in 1st group was %13.3, in 2nd group %10 and in 3rd group it was %16.6(P<0.05). Conclusion: According to these findings, tramadol can be substituted with mepredine in treatment of postop shivering and dose of 1mg/kg of tramadol is suggested.