Study: Acetaminophen helps reduce postop shivering

Editor's Note

Administering acetaminophen (Tylenol) during surgery may help reduce the incidence of postoperative shivering, finds a study presented October 21 at the Anesthesiology 2017 annual meeting in Boston.

A total of 37 patients scheduled for gynecologic surgery were randomly assigned to receive IV acetaminophen or a placebo after general anesthesia.

Of those who received acetaminophen, 22.2% experienced postoperative shivering, compared to 73.7% of those who received a placebo. In addition, the severity of shivering was significantly lower in patients who received acetaminophen.

These findings can be widely applicable because acetaminophen is a relatively safe drug and commonly used, the researchers note.

BOSTON - Administering acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, during surgery may reduce the incidence of postoperative shivering, suggests a study being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2017 annual meeting. Chills and shivering are a common side effect that happens when patients regain consciousness after surgery. Shivering can occur in up to half of patients.

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