| Drug Name: | Tramadol (Ultram) |
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| Tablet Strength: | 90 pills x 100 mg |
| Best Price: | $373.50 (Per Pill $4.15) |
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Tramadol — A Recognized Prescription Choice for Structured, Monitored Pain Management
Tramadol is a weak opioid analgesic similar to morphine but with a more moderate effect. When Tramadol enters the body, it binds to opioid receptors and blocks the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord. Additionally, this drug has a sedative effect, meaning that after taking Tramadol, the patient is not only relieved of pain but also feels relaxed and can sleep easily.
Indications for the Use of Tramadol
Pain syndrome of moderate to severe intensity (including in malignant tumors, traumas, and the postoperative period). Pain relief during painful diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Tramadol is prescribed in cases of severe pain, especially when other drugs from the NSAID group have proven ineffective:
In oncological practice, according to the World Health Organization recommendations, Tramadol is used in the second stage of the so-called "pain relief ladder," after the use of non-steroidal drugs (NSAIDs).
Prolonged use of opioids can lead to addiction. However, cancer patients do not need to worry about this side effect, provided the drug is used under strict medical indications, correct dosing, and adherence to usage guidelines.
Pharmacokinetics of Tramadol
When administered, Tramadol enters the bloodstream in an inactive form and is metabolized in the liver into ten inactive metabolites and one active metabolite that reduces pain sensation and blocks pain signal transmission in the spinal cord.
From the administered pills and drops, about 68% of the drug reaches the affected area, and with intravenous injection – 100%. The "spent" drug is excreted from the body 90% through the kidneys and 10% through the intestines. This means that in cases of renal function impairment, the drug can be retained in the body for a more extended period.
The analgesic effect of Tramadol begins approximately 15 minutes after intake, peaks at about half an hour, and lasts for almost 6 hours. In the case of the extended-release form of Tramadol (Tramadol-retard), the drug's action lasts up to 12 hours. Despite the drug's high efficacy, the body may develop tolerance over time, which may require an increase in dose. If Tramadol becomes ineffective, a switch to stronger narcotic analgesics may be necessary.
How long does tramadol stay in your system?
Tramadol is an opioid analgesic, and the duration it remains in your system can vary depending on factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and individual differences in metabolism. Typically, tramadol can be detected in urine for 1-4 days after the last use. It may be detected in blood for about 24 hours, and in saliva for up to 48 hours after ingestion. As for hair, traces of the substance can remain significantly longer, up to 90 days.
How to Use Tramadol
Tramadol is available in various pharmacological forms, including capsules, tablets, and solutions, each suitable for different clinical needs and patient preferences. The formulations include oral solutions (drops), immediate-release tablets and capsules, as well as extended-release tablets for oral use, and ampoules for injectable solutions.
For most patients, oral administration is recommended as the primary method of taking Tramadol due to its convenience and lower risk of complications compared to injectable forms. Injectable forms can be associated with pain at the injection site and potential complications such as abscess formation, particularly in patients who are immunocompromised or have chronic illnesses.
Oral Drops: Tramadol oral drops are rapidly acting and allow for flexible dosing. The typical starting dosage might be 20 drops mixed with water or placed on a piece of sugar to ease administration. This can be adjusted based on the patient's response to the medication. If pain relief is not achieved within an hour, a healthcare provider may advise taking an additional dose, but this should be done under guidance to avoid overdosing.
Capsules and Tablets: Tramadol capsules and tablets are available in different strengths, commonly ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg. The appropriate dose depends on the patient's pain level and individual health requirements. While some patients may be instructed to take one capsule or tablet, others may need a higher dose and could be prescribed two tablets at a time, under strict medical supervision to ensure safety.
Extended-Release Tablets (Tramadol-retard): The extended-release form of Tramadol is designed to provide pain relief over a period of up to 12 hours. It is crucial not to re-administer this form sooner than prescribed, typically not before 12 hours, to prevent accumulation of the drug in the body and potential overdose. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions closely regarding when and how to take these tablets, especially in cases of severe pain where dosing might need careful adjustment.
Ampoules for Injection: Tramadol ampoules are used for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injections and are typically reserved for situations where rapid pain relief is necessary, or when oral administration is not possible. Each ampoule contains either 1 or 2 milliliters of solution, corresponding to 50 mg or 100 mg of Tramadol, respectively. Injections should be administered by a healthcare professional and should not be repeated more frequently than every 4 hours, with close monitoring for signs of overdose or adverse reactions.
Contraindications for the Use of Tramadol
Overdose
The maximum daily dose of Tramadol should not exceed 400 mg, equivalent to four doses of 100 mg each, or eight doses in the form of capsules and ordinary tablets, four suppositories, or four injections of 2 ml of medicine. Overdose can lead to altered consciousness, coma, seizures, respiratory depression, increased heart rate, and lowered blood pressure. Naloxone may be used to treat an overdose, and seizures may be stopped with a diazepam injection. In the development of serotonin syndrome, cyproheptadine is administered.
Special Instructions
During pregnancy, Tramadol is used only in short courses to avoid developing addiction in both the fetus and the newborn. During breastfeeding, it should be considered that a small amount of the drug can enter breast milk.
In cases of liver and kidney function impairment, the use of Tramadol requires caution.
The drug is not recommended for children under 1 year old. For children aged 1 to 14, dosages range from 1 to 2 mg/kg. It is not recommended to use extended-release forms of Tramadol for children under 14 years of age.
Caution is necessary when using Tramadol in patients with increased sensitivity to other opioid analgesics, impaired consciousness, narcotic dependence, or seizures.
The drug is incompatible with alcohol and MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Tramadol may cause drowsiness and dizziness, which in some cases may be beneficial for patients, however, this is a side effect.
Over time, the body may become accustomed to Tramadol, and it may cease to effectively relieve pain. In such cases, it may be necessary to revise the treatment scheme and include stronger analgesics.
Tramadol is considered a relatively safe drug, as its analgesic doses do not disrupt vital functions. In about half of the cases, Tramadol does not produce any side effects. At the same time, side effects of varying degrees of severity – sedation, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, dry mouth, constipation – often prompt patients to discontinue treatment. A slow increase in the dose over 2–3 days at the start of therapy helps avoid unpleasant consequences when taking this drug.
