Background: Postoperative shivering is a common and distressing complication. Although it’s a protective reflex mechanism to hypothermia, it’s also seen in normothermic patients. It is important to prevent and treat postoperative shivering as it is associated with many adverse effects. Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic dose of 1 g paracetamol IV to prevent shivering in patients undergoing abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia. Methodology: In this prospective randomized double-blind study 130 patients of either sex and ASA class I &II were randomized into group P (Paracetamol) and group NS(Normal saline). Group NS received 100 ml of NS (n=65) and Group P received 1gm paracetamol in 100ml NS (n=65) IV over a period of 15 minutes after induction of anesthesia. Core body temperature was recorded in all patients using tympanic thermometer before induction of anaesthesia, after induction of anaesthesia, at the end of surgery and in recovery room every 15min for 1hr. Adverse events if any, were also noted in recovery room. Results: Incidence of postoperative shivering was 9/65(13.84% )in group P and 33(50.76%)in group NS. Core body temperature dropped in both groups after induction of anaesthesia which was statistically similar(p>0.05). Conclusion: The prophylactic use of paracetamol is effective in preventing postoperative shivering without significant side effects.
