Tramadol Hydrochloride: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects | MedexInfo

Tramadol Hydrochloride

Rx

Generic NameTramadol Hydrochloride

Therapeutic ClassOpioid Analgesic

Common Dose50–100 mg every 6–8 hours

Max / 24h400 mg

PregnancyAvoid unless clearly needed

Indications ▼

Moderate to moderately severe acute pain

Postoperative pain

Chronic musculoskeletal pain

Neuropathic pain (off-label)

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic that weakly binds to μ-opioid receptors and inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, enhancing inhibitory pain pathways.

Pharmacokinetics: Well absorbed orally. Metabolized in the liver (CYP2D6, CYP3A4) to an active metabolite (O-desmethyltramadol). Eliminated mainly via kidneys. Half-life ~6 hours.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Form	Dose	Frequency
Immediate-release (oral)	50–100 mg	Every 6–8 hours
Extended-release	100–300 mg	Once daily
Injection	50–100 mg	IM/IV every 6–8 hours

Note: Reduce dose in elderly patients and in renal or hepatic impairment.

Side Effects ▼

Nausea, vomiting

Dizziness, drowsiness

Constipation

Dry mouth

Headache

Rare: seizures, serotonin syndrome, respiratory depression

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to tramadol or opioids

Severe respiratory depression

Acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, or opioids

Uncontrolled epilepsy

Drug Interaction ▼

SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs: increased risk of serotonin syndrome

CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines): increased sedation and respiratory depression

Carbamazepine: reduced tramadol efficacy

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Avoid during pregnancy due to risk of neonatal withdrawal

Excreted in breast milk; avoid or monitor infant closely

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Clinical Role: Useful analgesic for moderate pain when NSAIDs are inadequate.

Advantage: Lower respiratory depression compared with strong opioids.

Limitation: Risk of dependence, seizures, and drug interactions.

Monitoring: Pain control, sedation, seizure history, drug interactions.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take exactly as prescribed; do not exceed recommended dose

Avoid alcohol and sedatives unless advised

May cause drowsiness; avoid driving initially

Do not stop suddenly after long-term use

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 30°C

Protect from light and moisture

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Anadol® 50 mg Anadol SR® 100 mg Dolonil® 50 mg Dolonil SR® 100 mg Doloran® 50 mg Lucidol® 50 mg Opalgic® 50 mg Pendol® 50 mg Kadol® 50 mg Tranal® 50 mg Tamadol® 50 mg Tramamax® 50 mg Tramavir® 50 mg Trapadol® 100 mg Tridol® 50 mg Trumen® 50 mg Winpain® 50 mg Xtrapel® 50 mg Zydol® 50 mg Anadol® 100 mg Injection Doloran® 100 mg Suppository

Global:

Ultram® Tramal®

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: Opioid Analgesics • Condition: Pain Management