Tramadol

Generic name: Tramadol

Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Dosage forms: Immediate-Release Tablet, Extended-Release Tablet, Capsule, Solution, Injectable Solution

Root of administration: Oral, Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Intravenous

Dose:50, 100,200, 225, 400 mg

Mechanism of action: Tramadol is a synthetic opioid and acts in the brain and spine (central nervous system) to reduce the amount of pain you feel.

Drug usage cases: Tramadol is a strong pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain that is not being relieved by other types of pain medicines. The extended-release form of tramadol is for around-the-clock treatment of pain. This form of tramadol is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.

Drug contra indications: You should not take tramadol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

severe asthma or breathing problems; a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus); if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications; or if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine). Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. Ultram ER should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old. Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids. Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Your seizure risk may be higher if you have ever had:

a head injury, epilepsy or other seizure disorder; drug or alcohol addiction; or a metabolic disorder. To make sure tramadol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

breathing problems, sleep apnea; liver or kidney disease; urination problems; problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid; a stomach disorder; or mental illness, or suicide attempt.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to tramadol (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling). Tramadol can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Tramadol may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep; a slow heart rate or weak pulse; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; seizure (convulsions); or low cortisol levels – nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness. Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.

Warnings: Seizures have been reported in patients taking tramadol. Your risk of seizures is higher if you are taking higher doses than recommended. Seizure risk is also higher in those with a seizure disorder or those taking certain antidepressants or opioid medications. Tramadol should not be used if you are suicidal or prone to addiction. You should not take tramadol if you have severe breathing problems, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic medication, or an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others). Tramadol can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it. Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old, or anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids. Ultram ER should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old. Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Taking tramadol during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you use tramadol during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Ask a doctor before using tramadol if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.