BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal opioids may cause some undesirable effects, the most frequent of which is itching. In spite of its low morbidity rate, itching may cause severe discomfort to patients in addition to prolonging hospital stay. This study aimed at evaluating different therapeutic options to prevent itching after spinal sufentanil. METHODS: Participated in these study 100 patients scheduled for non-obstetric procedures, who were randomly distributed in five groups: control (no treatment - C); 2.5 mg droperidol (D); 10 mg nalbuphine (N); association of previous drugs (DN); and 8 mg ondansetron (O). Pruritus was quantitatively evaluated at 30 minutes, 1, 2 and 3 hours after spinal sufentanil. RESULTS: Groups C and O had significantly higher incidence of itching as compared to groups D, N and DN. However, there has been no significant difference in the need for specific treatment with naloxone among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Itching prevention in our study, regardless of the drug used, has decreased its severity and has limited the need for specific treatment with naloxone.
ANALGESIA; ANALGESICS, Opioids; ANTAGONISTS; ANTIEMETICS; ANTIEMETICS; COMPLICATIONS
