TRAMADOL
Background and Date of Approval
Tramadol is an analgesic drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as opioid antagonists. It was approved by the FDA in August 2005 to treat pain.
Uses
Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as that caused by surgery or chronic conditions like arthritis. It can also be used in cancer patients to manage pain caused by cancer or cancer treatments.
How is it administered?
Tramadol is a prescription drug available in injection form. It should only be administered by a trained doctor or nurse. It will be given as a slow injection into a vein or muscle. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity and other factors. Do not self-administer the medication.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur with this injection are tiredness, sweating, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, headache and nausea. Some serious side effects also include breathing trouble during sleep. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a severe rash, consult your doctor immediately.This injection is not recommended for long-term use or for the treatment of mild pain. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse, respiratory depression, or liver or kidney disease. This drug can be habit-forming and should be avoided in patients with a history of substance abuse. It can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly or when the dose is reduced too quickly. Patients should be gradually tapered off tramadol to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Precautions
During the treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your respiratory function, blood pressure, liver function, and mental status. Doctors may also adjust the dose, switch to a different medication, or alter the treatment plan as needed to reduce the complications and side effects. This drug can cause sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnoea (breathing pauses during sleep) and sleep-related hypoxemia (low oxygen level in the blood). The symptoms can include night awakening due to shortness of breath, difficulties maintaining sleep, or excessive drowsiness during the day. Inform your doctor if any of these problems develop while you are using this medicine.
Word of Advice
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy as it may pose a risk to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while receiving treatment, consult your doctor. Speak with your healthcare provider about suitable non-hormonal contraceptive options and use them throughout treatment and for at least six months after the final dose. Tramadol can pass into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not advised during treatment. The injection may also cause breathing difficulties and sleep disturbances; therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery while using it. Before beginning treatment, inform your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking.
References
Hameln pharma ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jul 2021] [Accessed on 26 April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3420.pdf Seqirus Pty Ltd, [Revised on 27th Jul 2021] [Accessed on 26 April 2023], https://labeling.seqirus.com/PI/AU/Tramal/EN/Tramal-Product-Information.pdf Package leaflet: Information for the user Tradol 50 mg/ml Solution for injection or infusion- HPRA. Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/bc6d3cd9-99f2-4e3d-92e6-c8aa8c6bb9cc.pdf [Accessed on 26 April 2023]. Ahmed A. Negm, Daniel E. Furst, NSAIDs, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Langeâs Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666. Opioid Analgesics and Antagonists, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 497-514.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol while taking Tramadol?
It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
Why is Tramadol IV given slowly?
When this drug is given intravenously (IV), it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can be potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended to administer Tramadol IV slowly over a period of 15-30 minutes.
When should Tramadol be avoided?
Tramadol should be avoided in patients with a history of substance abuse since it is a habit-forming drug.
What happens when Tramadol is taken in higher doses?
Respiratory depression is more likely to occur in patients who take higher doses of Tramadol, have pre-existing respiratory disorders, or take other medications that depress the respiratory system.
Does Tramadol affect urine flow?
Yes, Tramadol can affect urine flow in some patients. This drug can cause urinary retention, which is a condition where the bladder is unable to empty completely, leading to a reduced flow of urine. This occurs because this drug can interfere with the signals that the nervous system sends to the bladder to initiate urination.