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Comparison of ondansetron and meperidine for treatment of postoperative shivering: a randomized controlled clinical

Alireza Mahoori1, Heydar Noroozinia1, Ebrahim Hasani1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Imam Khomeini Training Hospital, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, IR Iran.

Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal
|November 13, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Ondansetron effectively controls postoperative shivering, with 8 mg being the recommended dose, especially for patients experiencing nausea and vomiting. This study compared ondansetron to meperidine for treating shivering.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Postoperative shivering (POS) involves poorly understood neurotransmitter pathways.
  • 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists show promise in preventing POS.
  • Ondansetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, is commonly used for postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of ondansetron and meperidine in treating shivering after general anesthesia.
  • To determine the optimal ondansetron dosage for managing postoperative shivering.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blinded randomized clinical trial involving 83 patients (18-60 years) experiencing shivering post-general anesthesia.
  • Patients were allocated to receive 4 mg ondansetron (n=27), 8 mg ondansetron (n=27), or 0.4 mg/kg meperidine (n=29) intravenously.
  • Surface temperatures, and the incidence and intensity of shivering were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Shivering control rates were 59% for 4 mg ondansetron, 81% for 8 mg ondansetron, and 86% for meperidine (P=0.01).
  • No significant differences in surface temperature were observed within groups.
  • Groups receiving ondansetron reported significantly lower incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to the meperidine group (P=0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Ondansetron and meperidine demonstrate comparable efficacy in managing postoperative shivering.
  • 8 mg of intravenous ondansetron is identified as the preferred dose for controlling shivering.
  • Ondansetron is particularly suitable for patients with postoperative shivering accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Keywords:
Adverse EffectsAnestheticsMeperidineOndansetronShiveringTherapeutics

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