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Written By
P. Thirumal Reddy
B. Pharm

Reviewed By
Dr. Tejashwin Adiga
MBBS
Last updated : 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)

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TRAMADOL
Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:31 AM (IST)
TRAMADOL
Background and Date of approval TRAMADOL
Tramadol is an analgesic drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as Opioid antagonists. It was approved by the FDA in August 2005 to treat pain.
Uses of TRAMADOL
Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain, such as that caused by surgery or chronic conditions like arthritis. It can also be used in cancer patients to manage pain caused by cancer or cancer treatments.
How is TRAMADOL administered?
Tramadol is a prescription drug available in injection form. It should only be administered by a trained doctor or nurse. It will be given as a slow injection into a vein or muscle. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity and other factors. Do not self-administer the medication.
Side Effects of TRAMADOL
The common side effects that are likely to occur with this injection are tiredness, sweating, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, headache and nausea. Some serious side effects also include breathing trouble during sleep. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a severe rash, consult your doctor immediately.This injection is not recommended for long-term use or for the treatment of mild pain. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse, respiratory depression, or liver or kidney disease. This drug can be habit-forming and should be avoided in patients with a history of substance abuse. It can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly or when the dose is reduced too quickly. Patients should be gradually tapered off tramadol to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Precautions
During the treatment, your doctor may periodically monitor your respiratory function, blood pressure, liver function, and mental status. Doctors may also adjust the dose, switch to a different medication, or alter the treatment plan as needed to reduce the complications and side effects. This drug can cause sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnoea (breathing pauses during sleep) and sleep-related hypoxemia (low oxygen level in the blood). The symptoms can include night awakening due to shortness of breath, difficulties maintaining sleep, or excessive drowsiness during the day. Inform your doctor if any of these problems develop while you are using this medicine.
Word of Advice
It is not recommended for pregnant women as it may cause fetal harm. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during the treatment. Discuss effective non-hormonal contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider and use them during this treatment and continue for at least six months after the last dose. Tramadol passes into the breast milk. Hence, it is not recommended to breastfeed during this treatment. This injection might cause breathing difficulty and problems with sleeping. Hence it is advisable to avoid driving or operating machines during this treatment. Before starting this treatment, inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Tramadol?
It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Tramadol, as alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
Q2.
Why is Tramadol IV given slowly?
When this drug is given intravenously (IV), it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which can be potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended to administer Tramadol IV slowly over a period of 15-30 minutes.
Q3.
When should Tramadol be avoided?
Tramadol should be avoided in patients with a history of substance abuse since it is a habit-forming drug.
Q4.
What happens when Tramadol is taken in higher doses?
Respiratory depression is more likely to occur in patients who take higher doses of Tramadol, have pre-existing respiratory disorders, or take other medications that depress the respiratory system.
Q5.
Does Tramadol affect urine flow?
Yes, Tramadol can affect urine flow in some patients. This drug can cause urinary retention, which is a condition where the bladder is unable to empty completely, leading to a reduced flow of urine. This occurs because this drug can interfere with the signals that the nervous system sends to the bladder to initiate urination.
References
- Hameln pharma ltd., Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Jul 2021] [Accessed on 26 April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3420.pdf
- Seqirus Pty Ltd, [Revised on 27th Jul 2021] [Accessed on 26 April 2023], https://labeling.seqirus.com/PI/AU/Tramal/EN/Tramal-Product-Information.pdf
- Package leaflet: Information for the user Tradol 50 mg/ml Solution for injection or infusion- HPRA. Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/bc6d3cd9-99f2-4e3d-92e6-c8aa8c6bb9cc.pdf [Accessed on 26 April 2023].
- Ahmed A. Negm, Daniel E. Furst, NSAIDs, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666.
- Opioid Analgesics and Antagonists, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th Edition, 2019, 497-514.
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