Intravenous Pethidine versus Diclofenac Suppository in Shivering after Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia

Introduction: One of the most common surgeries on women is a cesarean section. Shivering is a prevalent adverse effect of spinal anesthesia following surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous pethidine and diclofenac suppository on shivering after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Methods: This double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on 130 patients aged 20 to 40 years with ASA I, and II elective cesarean section candidates. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving intravenous pethidine (group A) and diclofenac suppository (group B). Patients’ shivering incidences using VAS measuring instrument at times; entry to the recovery room was measured at 30 and 60 minutes in recovery and 2, 4, and 6 hours after surgery. Results: The incidence of shivering was significantly different between both groups at the beginning of recovery and 30, 60, and 120 minutes after surgery, and also its mean was lower in the group receiving suppository, but the severity of shivering was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that the diclofenac suppository significantly reduces shivering incidence and has a more appropriate effect than intravenous pethidine. Therefore, it is recommended to use a diclofenac suppository to reduce the incidence of shivering in subjects who have undergone a cesarean section.