Tramadol Flashcards
What is tramadol?
A weak opioid
How does tramadol work?
Has two functions;
- Acts as an agonist for the opioid μ receptors
- Inhibits serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake
How potent is tramadol compared to morphine?
Has 10% of morphines potency
What is the result of tramadol inhibiting serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake?
Produces feelings of euphoria, in addition to pain relief
What are the routes of delivery of tramadol?
- PO
- IV
- IM
What are the indications for tramadol?
Moderate to severe pain
Who is tramadol on prescribed for?
Post-surgical patients
What conditions are all opioids, including tramadol, contraindicated in?
- Respiratory depression
- Head injury
- Raised ICP
- Patients at risk of paralytic ileum
What is tramadol contraindicated in?
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- Acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, or other opioids
What should you do if tramadol is given in renal or hepatic impairment?
Consider reducing tramadol doses
What monitoring is required with tramadol?
Review pain control within hours of patient taking tramadol in acute pain, or schedule a timely review of pain control in patients with chronic pain
What might tramadol interact with?
- SSRIs
- MAOIs
- Lithium
- St John’s wort
- Alcohol
What might happen if tramadol is given with SSRIs, MAOIs, lithium, or St John’s wort?
Increased risk of serotonin syndrome
What might happen if tramadol is given with alcohol?
Increased risk of CNS depression
What are the side effects of tramadol?
Same as codeine, but less constipation and less respiratory depression
