Role of tramadol in reducing pain on propofol injection

Propofol is frequently associated with pain on injection. We evaluated the effect of tramadol in a randomised, double-blind study using a tourniquet venous retention technique. Normal saline placebo was given intravenously to patients in Group 1 (n = 30),tramadol 50 mg to Group 2 (n = 30), and lignocaine 50 mg to Group 3 (n = 30). The venous retention of drugs was maintained for 1 minute, followed by tourniquet release and intravenous administration of propofol. Pain assessment was made immediately after propofol injection. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of pain associated with propofol administration in patients pretreated with lignocaine and tramadol (P < 0.05). In addition, pretreatment with tramadol was as effective as lignocaine in reducing pain on propofol injection.