Efficacy of Intravenous Clonidine & Tramadol on Post Spinal Anaesthesia Shivering in Elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section: A Randomized Comparative Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, potency and side effects of clonidine as compared to tramadol in post spinal anaesthesia shivering. In this double blind comparative study, 90 American Society Anaesthesiologists grade I & II patients aged between 18-35 years scheduled for elective LSCS under spinal anaesthesia who subsequently developed shivering intra operatively were selected. Equal number of patients were allocated to receive either clonidine 50μg (Gr C) or tramadol 50mg ( Gr T). Grade of shivering, disappearance of shivering, haemodynamics and side effects were observed at scheduled intervals. The mean interval between the injection of drug and complete cessation of shivering was significantly earlier in group C than group T. Over all side effects were less in clonidine than tramadol, except sedation. It was concluded that clonidine is more effective in cessation of shivering than tramadol with fewer side effects.