General Brand Name: Ultram (Manufacturer: - Wyeth Pharmaceuticals – U.S.)
Generic Name: Tramadol Hydrochloride 50mg
If some is suffering from moderate to severe pain, he/she may be prescribed Tramadol Hydrochloride. This pain reliever is the generic version of the brand name drug Ultram of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals – (U. S.). Tramadol Hydrochloride belongs to Non- narcotic opioid analgesic class of drugs. Tramadol Hydrochloride is the 18th most commonly prescribed drug in the U.S. to help patients manage moderate to severe pain that is chronic. Ultram is designed to provide only short-term pain relief and should not be taken long-term.
Treatment Uses – Tramadol Hydrochloride (Ultram) is used as an addition to anesthesia, for treatment of cancer pain and is also commonly used for moderate to severe dental pain. Tramadol is also abused for its euphoric effects, which has led several states to reclassify it as a controlled substance.
Dosing and Administration – A maximum of 400mg daily is recommended for adults for immediate release given orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For chronic patients suffering from moderate to severe pain not on immediate release Ultram(Tramadol Hydrochloride) can be started at 100mg upto a maximum of 300mg incremented every 5 days with 100mg daily looking up to the needs. To switch the use of Tramadol Hydrochloride (Ultram) for a chronic patient from immediate to extended release, calculate the total daily doses of Tramadol Hydrochloride (Ultram)and start extended release tramadol at a dose rounded down at the nearest 100mg increment, not to exceed 300mg daily.
The safety and efficacy of immediate release tramadol in patients under 16 years of age and extended release tramadol in patients under 18 years of age are not established.
Food has no effect on absorption or availability of tramadol; doses can be taken without regard to meals. Extended release capsules and tablets should not be divided, crushed, chewed or mixed with water.
Patients on dialysis or renally impaired patienst with a Creatinine clearance clearance (CrCl) less than 30ML per minute, the dose interval of immediate release Tramadol should be increased to 12 hr. and the maximum daily dose decreased to 200mg. Extended release tramadol is not recommended for use in patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency. . In patients over 65-years-old, tramadol should be started at the low end of the dosing ranges and continued at the lowest effective dose. For patients over 75-years-old, immediate the maximum daily dose of immediate release tramadol should not exceed 300 milligrams. Hemodialysis and hemoperfusion are of no value in tramadol overdose.
Tramadol is not recommended during pregnancy unless potential benefits outweigh risks, which include neonatal seizures, withdrawal syndrome and fetal death. There are no well-controlled studies of tramadol in pregnant women or on the growth and development of unborn children exposed to tramadol in utero. Tramadol is excreted in human breast milk and is not recommended for nursing mothers, as there is insufficient nursing infant safety data.
Tramadol’s mechanism of action in the body is not completely understood, but is believed to be associated with binding of the parent drug metabolite to the mu-opioid receptors and through the weak inhibition of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake.
Tramadol comes in multiple strengths, depending on manufacturer. Size, shape and color also vary; immediate release tablets typically come in 50 milligram strength, extended release tablets and capsules commonly come in 100, 200 and 300 milligram strengths. There is at least one manufacturer making a tramadol oral suspension of 10 milligrams per milliliter. Tramadol is also available in combination with acetaminophen. Tramadol tablets should be stored at room temperature (between 68 and 77°F).
Cautions and Warnings – Tramadol is, as previously mentioned, a drug with abuse, misuse and diversion potential. Abusers or prolonged users may develop physiologic and psychologic dependence. Abrupt discontinuation may induce withdrawal symptoms; tapering tramadol when discontinuing therapy is advised. Tramadol is an opioid; users may experience impairment of mental or physical abilities and should be advised not to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery.
Important Side Effects and Interactions – The most commonly reported side effects in patients taking tramadol are dizziness and vertigo (26%), nausea and/or constipation (24%), headache (18%), somnolence (drowsiness 16%), vomiting (9%), pruritus (itching 8%), and CNS stimulation consisting of restlessness, tremors, euphoria, hallucinations, and emotional lability (7%). https://meds247online.com/pain-relief-online.html