[Effects of tramadol on haemodynamics and blood gases in the early postoperative period].

A variety of opioids is available for treatment of acute pain. Sometimes administration is limited due to typical side effects such as respiratory depression or pressure increase in the pulmonary circulation. Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, was investigated in a dosage of 1.5 mg/kg body weight i.v. with regard to changes in haemodynamic parameters and in blood gases. The haemodynamic parameters generally remained stable; all changes were statistically non significant. There were no signs of respiratory depression. The risk of pain therapy with opioids seems to be reduced further by the introduction of this agent.