Effect of Tramadol Pretreatment on Sufentanil-Induced Cough

To investigate the effect of tramadol pretreatment on the incidence and severity of sufentanil-induced cough.

Randomized controlled trial.

Adults of both genders (N = 304; 18 to 65 years old, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to II), scheduled for elective surgery, were randomized into two groups (n = 152): intravenous administration of tramadol 1 mg/kg (group T) or normal saline (group C). Then sufentanil bolus 0.3 mcg/kg was administered intravenously in 5 seconds. The incidence and severity of cough were observed for 1 minute. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and truncal rigidity during induction were also recorded.

Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups. The incidence of cough was significantly lower in group T when compared with group C (7.9% vs 18.4%, P < .05); there were nine patients coughing severely in group C, whereas no severe cough occurred in group T (P < .05). The mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and incidences of other side effects were comparable between the two groups.

Pretreatment of intravenous tramadol 1 mg/kg could be a clinically effective intervention for attenuating sufentanil-induced cough.