Controlled comparison of nalbuphine and morphine for post‐tonsillectomy pain

Abstract

A controlled investigation was conducted to compare the effectiveness of morphine and nalbuphine in the prevention of pain and restlessness after tonsillectomy in children. Sixty children between 4 and 12 years old were randomly allocated to receive intramuscular morphine 0.2 mg/kg, nalbuphine 0.3 mg/kg or no medication approximately 5 minutes before the conclusion of surgery. Pain and restlessness were assessed 1 and 2 hours after injection, and side effects were recorded. The assessments were made double‐blind. Both nalbuphine and morphine decreased restlessness and pain 1 hour (p<0.01) and 2 hours (p<0.05) after surgery. No significant differences were found between the two groups of patients who received opioids. Both nalbuphine and morphine caused more drowsiness than placebo 2 hours after surgery (p < 0.001). Other side effects were uncommon. Nalbuphine may ofSer advantages compared with morphine in regard to safety and convenience of use for the treatment of post‐tonsillectomy pain in children. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved