Effect of pethidine, fentanyl and calcium gluconate on blood gases in post halothane anesthesia shivering

ABSTRACT

Postoperative halothane shivering has been of particular concern to many investigators. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of pethidine [25 mg i.v.], fentanyl [25 mug i.v.] and calcium gluconate [200 mg i.v.] in reducing post-anesthesia shivering and to compare blood gases during and after suppression of visible shivering. It can be concluded that postoperative shivering after halothane anesthesia produced metabolic acidosis and hypoxemia. Pethidine, fentanyl and calcium gluconate can suppress shivering and metabolic acidosis, only calcium gluconate can suppress hypoxemia. Early treatment of postoperative halothane shivering with any of studied drugs is recommended, together with the choice of calcium gluconate, particularly in patients in whom it is better to avoid any respiratory depression