Efficacy of Nalbuphine versus Tramadol in the Treatment of Shivering Following Spinal Anaesthesia

Dr. Gyana Ranjan Dash, Dr. Dhruti Prasad Parida, Dr. Gyana Ranjan Dash

Abstract: Background: Shivering following spinal anaesthesia is a common perioperative complication associated with increased metabolic demand, oxygen consumption, and patient discomfort. Pharmacological agents such as tramadol and nalbuphine have been used for its management, but their comparative efficacy remains a subject of clinical interest. Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous nalbuphine and tramadol in the treatment of post-spinal anaesthesia shivering. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical study was conducted on 40 patients aged 20?60 years, belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II, who developed shivering following spinal anaesthesia for lower limb orthopaedic surgery. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 20 each. Group T received tramadol 1 mg/kg intravenously, and Group N received nalbuphine 0.1 mg/kg intravenously. Time to cessation of shivering, recurrence, sedation level, and adverse effects were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and Chi-square test. Results: The mean time for disappearance of shivering was significantly shorter in the nalbuphine group compared to the tramadol group. Complete control of shivering was observed in all patients receiving nalbuphine, whereas partial response and recurrence were noted in the tramadol group. Sedation was better with nalbuphine, and adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting were observed only with tramadol. Conclusion: Nalbuphine is superior to tramadol in controlling post-spinal anaesthesia shivering, providing faster relief, better sedation, and fewer side-effects.

Keywords: Post-spinal shivering, Nalbuphine, Tramadol, Spinal anaesthesia

How to Cite?: Dr. Gyana Ranjan Dash, Dr. Dhruti Prasad Parida, Dr. Gyana Ranjan Dash, "Efficacy of Nalbuphine versus Tramadol in the Treatment of Shivering Following Spinal Anaesthesia", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 2112-2113, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251225111553, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251225111553