Comparison of the effects of preoperative melatonin or vitamin C administration on postoperative analgesia

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#abdomen #adult #analgesics-opioid #anesthesia-general #antioxidants

Comparison of the effects of preoperative melatonin or vitamin C administration on postoperative analgesia

Laflı et al., 2020 | Bosn J Basic Med Sci | Rct

Citation

Laflı Tunay Demet, Türkeün Ilgınel Murat, ... Biricik Ebru. Comparison of the effects of preoperative melatonin or vitamin C administration on postoperative analgesia. Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2020-Feb-05;20(1):117-124. doi:10.17305/bjbms.2019.4379

Abstract

The analgesic benefit of melatonin and vitamin C as primary or adjuvant agents has been reported in various studies; however, their analgesic effects in the treatment of postoperative pain remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of single preoperative dose of oral melatonin or vitamin C administration on postoperative analgesia. In this study, we recruited 165 adult patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly divided into three equal (n = 55) groups. One hour before surgery, patients received orally melatonin (6 mg) in group M, vitamin C (2 g) in group C, or a placebo tablet in group P. Pain, sedation, patient satisfaction, total morphine consumption from a patient-controlled analgesia device, supplemental analgesic requirement, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting were recorded throughout 24 h after surgery. The mean pain score and total morphine consumption were found significantly lower in both M and C groups compared with group P (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between group M and C with respect to pain scores (p = 0.117) and total morphine consumption (p = 0.090). Patients requested less supplemental analgesic and experienced less nausea and vomiting in groups M and C compared with group P. In conclusion, preoperative oral administration of 6 mg melatonin or 2 g vitamin C led to a reduction in pain scores, total morphine consumption, supplemental analgesic requirement, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting compared with placebo.

Key Findings

In conclusion, preoperative oral administration of 6 mg melatonin or 2 g vitamin C led to a reduction in pain scores, total morphine consumption, supplemental analgesic requirement, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting compared with placebo.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 55
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Abdomen
  • Adult
  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Anesthesia, General
  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melatonin
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Pain
  • Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
  • Prospective Studies

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: melatonin-surgery

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09