Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, hemodynamic effects, complications and side effects of oral Clonidine as compared to oral Tapentadol for perioperative shivering and postoperative analgesia.

Material and Methods: Total 120 adult patients (randomly divided into three groups with 40 patients in each group) of either sex belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–II, aged 18 to 60 years, scheduled for elective infra umbilical surgeries. Group A : Oral Clonidine (100 mcg) 60 minutes prior to Subarachnoid block Bupivacaine hyperbaric 0.5% (12.5 mg). Group B : Oral Tapentadol (50 mg) 60 minutes prior to Subarachnoid block Bupivacaine hyperbaric 0.5% (12.5 mg). Group C : Oral Placebo 60 minutes prior to Subarachnoid block Bupivacaine hyperbaric 0.5% (12.5 mg). Data recordings were done for time to reach sensory and motor block, hemodynamic changes, shivering, duration of sensory and motor block and duration of  postoperative analgesia.

Results: Incidence of grade III shivering was less with addition of  oral Clonidine (5%) and oral Tapentadol (10%) with intrathecal Bupivacaine as compared to oral placebo (20%) with intrathecal bupivacaine. Duration of analgesia (requirement for first analgesic dose) showed statistical difference between three groups (P <0.01) [Group I – 341.75 ± 22.970 minutes, Group II – 301.5 ± 18.334 minutes and Group III – 273.75 ± 23.390 minutes]. Both Clonidine and Tapentadol increased post operative analgesic time and decreases incidence of shivering than control group without causing any side effects.

Conclusion: Oral Clonidine and oral Tapentadol increases the duration of analgesia and decreases incidence of shivering as compared to control group without increasing side effects or complications and hemodynamic changes