What is tramadol?
Tramadol is an analgesic medication, family of opioids, which is used to relieve severe acute or chronic pain in situations where non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have not achieved the desired therapeutic effect.
What is tramadol used for?
- Tramadol, like morphine , is an opioid whose function is to bind to endogenous opioid receptors located in the central nervous system , increasing the pain threshold and decreasing pain perception.
- It is used to treat:
- Moderate to severe pain, in patients both adults and children over 12 years of age.
Dosage and routes of administration of tramadol
The dosage of tramadol will depend on the patient’s age , the characteristics and intensity of the pain, as well as their hepatic and renal profile. Next, we list the corresponding dosage:
- 50mg Rapid Release Capsules: In adults and children over 12 years of age, a dose of 50-100mg may be given. Then the same dose, but at intervals of 4-6 hours. Maximum daily dose: 400 mg.
- 100 mg prolonged-release tablets: In this type of presentation, treatment with tramadol consists of doses of 50-200 mg every 12 hours.
- 100 mg/2 ml solution for injection: To relieve severe pain and achieve effective action, an initial dose of 100 mg . After the first hour, an infusion of 50 mg every 20 minutes. Maximum daily dose: 250 mg.
To highlight: The use of drugs such as tramadol, should be consulted by the patient with a specialist doctor , to avoid inappropriate doses that can generate unwanted reactions, therefore avoid self-medication.
What products contain tramadol?
Some of the medicines that contain tramadol are:
- Adolonta®
- Sanzall Duo®
- Tradoxil D®
Adolonta®
- It is the trade name of tramadol, an opioid drug used in analgesia to reduce moderate to severe pain (whether caused by disorders of the spinal cord, of the spine such as lumbago , systemic processes, etc.). (1)
- It comes as 50mg and 100mg capsules and tablets, 100mg/2ml solution for injection.
Sanzadoll Duo®
- It is a commercial medication made up of two analgesics: paracetamol and tramadol .
- Both substances enhance the effect of the other and are used in the treatment of moderate to intense headache or for any other cause.
- It comes in tablets of 37.5 mg tramadol and 325 mg paracetamol .
Tradoxil D®
- This commercial medicine is composed of tramadol and diclofenac.
- Its analgesic activity is superior to that of tramadol-paracetamol in certain circumstances. However, it is also associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects such as nausea. (two)
- It comes in tablets of 25 mg tramadol hydrochloride and 25 mg diclofenac sodium.
tramadol side effects
Opioids such as tramadol have certain disadvantages, which prevent their use from being as common as non-steroidal pain relievers, such as the high risk of adverse effects , which are:
- Hypersensitivity reactions.
- Nausea, vomiting , appetite disturbances.
- Dizziness, coordination and speech disorders.
- Agitation and anxiety .
- Drowsiness and insomnia .
- Marked depression of respiration (occurs frequently at high doses).
- Withdrawal syndrome (occurs when treatment is stopped abruptly).
Important: If they have any of the effects mentioned above, it is recommended to discontinue the use of the medication and consult with the treating physician.
Contraindications and warnings of tramadol
Dependence problems and other side effects associated with the use of opioids have forced the doctor to be selective when prescribing or administering tramadol , as we will see below:
- It should not be used in patients under light anesthesia (ie with nitric oxide).
- Before taking tramadol, every patient should be educated to be alert for possible signs and/or symptoms related to an adverse effect.
Avoid if you have:
- Hypersensitivity to tramadol.
- Women who are pregnant or lactating.
- Severe respiratory, hepatic, renal or nervous failure.
Warnings:
- Tramadol can generate physical and mental dependence in the medium and long term.
- Patients receiving anxiolytics , antidepressants (such as fluoxetine ) or any other central nervous system depressant substance, current recommendations indicate that it should be administered with great care or not administered at all. (3)
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.