Tramadol is a medication to relieve moderate to severe pain, such as postoperative pain. It is not intended for continuous use and is not for minor pain relief. It should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
Tramadol belongs to the opioid class, which works by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system. This will reduce the pain felt by the body. Please note, this drug is only used if other pain relievers are not effective in reducing the pain felt by the patient.
Tramadol trademarks: Corsadol, Dolgesik, Dolocap, Forgesic, Medcotram, Thramed, Tradosik, Tradyl, Tramadol HCl, Tramadol Hydrochloride, Tramadol, Tramal, Tramofal, Tugesal, Zephanal
What is Tramadol
Prescription: Drug Group
Category: Opioid class pain relievers
Benefits: Pain relief
Used by: Adults and children aged ≥12 years
Tramadol is Category C for pregnant and breastfeeding women: Studies in experimental animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Tramadol may be absorbed into breast milk and should not be used during breastfeeding.
Forms of medication Capsules, tablets, suppositories and injectables
Warnings Before Using Tramadol
- Tell your doctor about any allergy history you have. Tramadol should not be given to patients who are allergic to this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever abused drugs. Tramadol abuse can lead to dependence, overdose, and death.
- Tell your doctor if you consume alcoholic beverages daily or have alcohol addiction. Tramadol should not be taken with alcoholic beverages, as it may increase the risk of fatal side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have an intestinal obstruction, frequent asthma flare-ups or severe respiratory disease. Tramadol is not recommended for use by patients with these conditions.
- Inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, seizures, liver disease, thyroid disease, sleep apnea, kidney disease, diabetes, difficulty urinating, gallbladder disease, or pancreatic disease.
- Tell your doctor if you have a mental disorder, especially if you are thinking about or have attempted suicide.
- Do not use tramadol if you are taking or have taken any MAOI drugs within the last 14 days.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. If used during pregnancy, this medicine may increase the risk of severe side effects in the unborn baby.
Tell your doctor if you are using any sedatives before using tramadol. Also tell them about any other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to prevent drug interactions.
See your doctor immediately if you experience drug allergic reactions, overdose, addiction, or serious side effects, after using tramadol.
Tramadol Dosage and Rules of Use
The following is the dosage of tramadol based on the purpose of treatment, age of the patient, and dosage form of the drug:
Tablet and capsule form
Purpose: Relieves moderate to severe pain
Adults and children aged ≥12: 50-100 mg, every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose 400 mg per day.
Elderly: Dosage is started at the lowest level, then adjusted according to the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
Suppository form
Objective: Relief of moderate to severe pain
Adults and children >14 years of age: 100-400 mg (1-4 suppositories) per day.
Injectable form
Purpose: Pain relief after surgery
Adults and children ≥12 years of age: Initial dose of 100 mg, followed by 50 mg every 10-20 minutes. The maximum dose in the first hour after surgery is 250 mg, including the first dose. Thereafter, the dose is reduced to 50-100 mg, every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.
Elderly: Dosage is started at the lowest level, then adjusted according to the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
Objective: Relieves moderate to severe pain
Adults and children ≥12 years of age: 50-100 mg, every 4-6 hours. Maximum dose of 600 mg per day.
Elderly: Dosage starts at the lowest level, then adjusted according to the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
How to Use Tramadol Correctly
Injectable Tramadol will be administered by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital. Injectable tramadol is given under the skin (subcutaneous/SC), muscle (intramuscular/IM), or vein (intravenous/IV).
If you are given injectable tramadol for self-administration, make sure you understand the dosage, how to take the medicine, and how to use it properly, to avoid dosing errors or possible side effects.
If you have been given tramadol by mouth or suppositories, always follow your doctor’s instructions and read the information on the package.
Tramadol tablets and capsules can be taken before or after meals. Swallow tramadol tablets or capsules with water. Do not crush or chew tramadol tablets or capsules, as this may increase the risk of side effects.
Be sure to wash your hands before and after using tramadol suppositories. It is recommended that you have a bowel movement before using this medicine.
To use tramadol suppositories, lie on your side with your upper leg bent towards your chest. Insert the entire suppository into the anal opening with the pointed end entering first.
In order for the medication to be inserted easily, you can dip the tip of the suppository into water before inserting it. Once the medication is inserted, hold it in the anus for about 15 minutes until the medication melts.
Use the medication at the same time every day. If you forget to take tramadol, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is near, skip the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Do not change the dosage or start or stop taking the medicine without your doctor’s approval. Improper use of the medicine can lead to addiction and even overdose. See your doctor immediately if you feel you need more than the prescribed dose of tramadol.
Please note that stopping the drug abruptly may lead to putu syndrome.
Please note that stopping the drug abruptly can lead to withdrawal syndrome, such as restlessness and irritability. Check with your doctor if you experience symptoms of withdrawal syndrome after stopping tramadol.
If you use opioids independently or care for someone who uses opioids, your doctor may give you naloxone as an antidote in anticipation of an overdose. Make sure you understand the correct way to use naloxone.
Store tramadol at room temperature, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
Tramadol Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several interaction effects that can occur if tramadol is used together with other drugs, namely:
Increased risk of fatal serotonin syndrome if used with MAOI drugs, such as selegiline, sumatriptan or lithium
Increased risk of excessive drowsiness, decreased respiratory function, decreased consciousness, and even coma, if used with benzodiazepine tranquilizers
Increased risk of seizures or serotonin syndrome if used with bupropion, mirtazapine, antipsychotics, or SSRI, SNRI, or tricyclic antidepressants
Increased risk of withdrawal syndrome symptoms or decreased analgesic effect of tramadol when used with buprenorphine or naloxone
Decreased effectiveness of tramadol if used with carbamazepine, rifampicin, or phenytoin
Increased risk of tramadol side effects if used with quinidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, or ritonavir
Increased risk of bleeding or bruising if used with blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin
Tramadol Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using tramadol are:
Difficulty passing stools (constipation)
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache
Heartburn or stomach ulcers
Dry mouth
Itching
See your doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. See your doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects, such as:
Snoring or sudden stopping of breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
Anxiety, hallucinations, fever, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness
Severe stomach pain
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
Seizures
Body feels very tired
Tremor
Slowed breathing
Slow and weak heart rate
Decreased consciousness
Difficulty waking up from sleep
Lightheadedness as if you are about to faint
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Hemarthrosis
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