Tramadol is a generic version of Ultram, which is a pain reliever to help or stop pain.

Chemical Information

Tramadol hydrochloride's molecular weight is 299.8. Tramadol hydrochloride is a crystalline powder which has no odor and is bitter in taste and white in color. It has a pKa of 9.41 and will quickly dissolve in water and ethanol. At pH7, the n-octanol/water log partition coefficient (logP) is 1.35. White in color, ULTRAM pills are composed of 50 mg of Tramadol hydrochloride. Non essential substances in the tablet consist of corn starch, hypromellose, lactose,magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide and wax.

Drug Interactions

Studies reveal that it is not likely that the CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of other drugs will be inhibited when Tramadol (Ultram) is used concurrently at therapeutic doses. Since observed maximal plasma concentrations after multiple oral doses are higher than expected based on single-dose data, it seems that Tramadol (Ultram) does not induce its own metabolism in humans. Tramadol (Ultram) has been shown in animal studies to be a mild inducer of certain pathways for drug metabolism.

Tramadol Storage

Keep the temperature around 25C (77F): excursions allowed between 15C to 30C (59F to 86F).

Use With Carbamazepine

There may be a markedly reduced analgesic effect of ULTRAM if patients are also taking carbamazepine. Using ULTRAM together with carbamazepine is contraindicated because Tramadol's metabolism is increased by carbamazepine and because there is a risk of seizure when Tramadol is taken.

Mixed With Quinidine

Tramadol/Ultram is changed to M1 by CYP2D6. Being that quinidine is a selective inhibitor of that isoenzyme, taking quinidine and ULTRAM concurrently causes higher concentrations of Tramadol (Ultram) and lower concentrations of M1. It is not know what the clinical consequences of these findings may signify. Studies reveal that quinidine's metabolism is not affected by Tramadol (Ultram).

Use With Inhibitors of CYP2D6

Studies reveal that some inhibition of the metabolism of Tramadol (Ultram) may occur if taken concurrently with inhibitors of CYP2D6 such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and amitriptyline.

Use With Cimetidine

Clinically significant changes in Tramadol (Ultram) pharmacokinetics do not occur when ULTRAM and cimetidine are use concurrently. Hence, it is not necessary to make any changes to the amount of ULTRAM taken.

Use With MAO Inhibitors

Because they interfere with detoxification mechanisms, there have been reports of interactions with MAO Inhibitors for some centrally acting drugs (see WARNINGS, Use With MAO Inhibitors).

Use With Digoxin and Warfarin

Since this medication has been brought to market, there have been a few reports of digoxin toxicity and alteration of warfarin effect, including elevation of prothrombin times.

Children

It is not specifically explained how children less than 16 years old react to Tramadol (Ultram).

Caution

When taking Tramadol, it is necessary to realize that Tramadol is a narcotic and so it can be addictive. It is a serious matter that you take this drug as your doctor prescribes it and only as it is suggested. You shouldn't ever exceed the dose amount that is recommended. Your doctor should be told if you have additional health concerns, like problems with your kidney or liver. Because Tramadol can make you drowsy, don't operate a motor vehicle until you find out its effects on you. It is imperative that alcohol NOT be consumed while taking Tramadol. Tell your doctor about additional drugs or treatments you are using, as well as homeopathic formulas like St. John's Wort.

Tramadol has been verified to be very worthwhile for people who have problems with chronic pain who use this medication. Although there are some side effects, such as nervousness, sweating, chills, dry mouth, dizziness, itching, rashes, changes in mood, heartburn, constipation, headache, sleepiness, and more, normally these are not so bothersome that patients stop taking this medication.

If your doctor prescribes Tramadol, it is important that you follow his / her instructions carefully.