Comparing the Efficacy of Pentazocine and Tramadol in Post-Operative Surgical Cases and Assessment of ADR- A Comprehensive Review

Postoperative pain management is a critical aspect of patient care, with various analgesic options available to optimize recovery while minimizing adverse effects. This review compares pentazocine and tramadol, two commonly used analgesics, in terms of their pharmacological profiles, mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and side effects. Tramadol, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and a centrally acting opioid has shown effective pain relief with a lower risk of respiratory depression and dependency. Pentazocine, a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist, provides analgesia with a ceiling effect, reducing the risk of overdose but potentially causing dysphoria and hallucinogenic effects at higher doses. Studies indicate that tramadol may offer superior pain relief in the immediate postoperative period compared to pentazocine, particularly due to its dual mechanism of action and fewer cardiorespiratory side effects. However, pentazocine may provide better hemodynamic stability and remains a viable option in certain patient populations. Both drugs have distinct adverse effect profiles, with tramadol linked to serotonin syndrome and seizures, and pentazocine associated with drowsiness, respiratory depression, and dependency risks. The choice between tramadol and pentazocine should be based on individual patient factors, pain severity, and risk-benefit considerations. While tramadol is generally preferred due to its tolerability and balanced analgesic effect, pentazocine remains relevant in select cases. Further research and personalized pain management approaches are necessary to improve patient outcomes.