Tramadol (Oral Route)
Tramadol is a narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine and can be used for moderate to severe pain relief. It is the brand name for the drug called Tramadol which is a narcotic like pain killer and is an opioid pain medication. It works in the body by altering the body response to the pain. One of the main advantage of this drug is that it is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). It can help to reduce the pain level to an extent that the patient can resume the daily activities quickly without experiencing further pain.
Tramadol is formulated as an immediate release oral tablet, when taken orally, the onset of pain relief occurs within an hour and has two mechanism of actions. One by binding to the μ-opioid receptors which are a class of receptors which have high affinity for enkephalins and beta-endorphins and by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
The tablet should not be crushed and this medicine needs to be taken orally. If taken in powdered form or as inhalation, it may lead to life-threatening side effects, overdose or even death.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription. This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Suspension
- Capsule, Extended Release
- Tablet, Disintegrating
- Tablet
Other Considerations of Tramadol:
- Onset of Action & Duration: The effect of this medicine can be observed within an hour of administration. Effect of the medicine lasts for about 9 hours of duration.
- Safety with alcohol: Avoid intake of alcohol while taking this medicine. Activities requiring a high level of mental alertness like driving should be avoided.
- Habit Forming: The drug has mild to moderate habit forming tendencies have been reported and hence requires careful administration and withdrawal.
Tramadol as immediate release
Tramadol for immediate release is available in the form of tablets and is very effective for people who do not require pain killers for the whole day. The tablet can be taken every 4-6 hrs to attain maximum relief or can be taken as advised by the physician. Depending on severity of pain and extent to which the pain is relieved with the medication. Always attend the scheduled doctor’s appointment such that doctor can assess the pain and effectiveness of Tramadol. Do not give Tramadol by your own to anyone else if they are in pain.
Tramadol as extended release
Tramadol ER (Extended release) should be taken exactly as prescribed by the physician and never take it in larger amounts or for a longer duration than the time advised by the doctor. Make sure to follow the directions on the prescription label. Inform your doctor if the drug does not reduce the pain or if there is no effect. Inhaling or taken by injection may be life-threatening, and overdose may lead to death.
Preserve the tablet in the pack, until you are ready to take it and use only dry hands to remove the tablet and to place in your mouth. It will start to dissolve once taken. Swallowing the whole tablet has to be prevented instead, allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing the same.