Effect of Tramadol Pretreatment on Sufentanil-Induced Cough.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of tramadol pretreatment on the incidence and severity of sufentanil-induced cough. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: 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. FINDINGS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment of intravenous tramadol 1 mg/kg could be a clinically effective intervention for attenuating sufentanil-induced cough.