Tramadol Hydrochloride

Generic Details

Generic Name

Tramadol Hydrochloride

Other Names

  • Ultram
  • ConZip
  • Rybix

Drug Class

  • Opioid Analgesic

Chemical Formula

C16H25NO2 • HCl

Molecular Weight

299.84 g/mol

Mechanism of Action

  • Mu-opioid receptor agonist
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Indications

  • Moderate to moderately severe pain

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet
  • Capsule
  • Extended-release tablet

Typical Dosage

  • Immediate-release: 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours
  • Extended-release: 100 mg once daily

Pediatric Dosage

  • Not established

Geriatric Dosage

  • Lower initial doses recommended due to increased sensitivity

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Sweating

Contraindications

  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, opioids, centrally acting analgesics, or psychotropic drugs

Pregnancy Category

  • C - Risk cannot be ruled out

Lactation Safety

  • Limited data - caution advised

Drug Interactions

  • SSRIs/SNRIs
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Tricyclic antidepressants

Overdose Symptoms

  • Respiratory depression
  • Extreme drowsiness
  • Muscle weakness

Antidote for Overdose

  • Naloxone
  • Nalmefene

Storage Conditions

  • Store at room temperature away from light and moisture

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration
  • Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body including the CNS
  • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver via CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 pathways
  • Excretion: Excreted primarily in the urine

Precautions

  • Caution in patients with respiratory depression, head injury, epilepsy, or liver/kidney impairment

Warnings

  • Potential for abuse and dependence
  • Risk of serotonin syndrome when used with serotonergic drugs

Others

  • Avoid alcohol consumption while taking tramadol due to increased CNS depression risk