Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Take Tramadol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine is available as a conventional tablet or capsule, orodispersible or dispersible tablet, modified-release tablet or capsule, and oral solution or drops.
If you are taking the modified-release tablet or capsule (usually labelled as "PR", "SR", or "ER"), swallow it whole. Do not open, chew, or crush the tablet or capsule.
If you are taking the orodispersible or dispersible tablet:
- Remove it from the foil only just before you take it. Do not leave the orodispersible tablet exposed to air. Do not push the orodispersible tablet through the foil as it is fragile and easily broken.
- Remove the orodispersible tablet with dry hands by peeling the backing off the foil and tipping the tablet onto your dry hands.
- Place the orodispersible tablet directly on your tongue as soon as it is taken out of the foil. The orodispersible tablet will immediately start to melt on the tongue. It can then be swallowed with or without water.
Alternatively, you may dissolve the orodispersible tablet in half a glass of water then stir to completely dissolve the tablet. Drink the solution immediately.
Do not cut, break, or crush the orodispersible or dispersible tablet.
If you are taking the oral drops or solution, use the dropper, measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- have consumed large amounts of alcohol, sleeping pills, medicines that affect your mood and emotions or strong painkillers
- uncontrolled epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- severe lung disease e.g. respiratory depression (slow or ineffective breathing), severe asthma
- known or suspected blockage in the stomach or bowel e.g. paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines)
as Tramadol may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children below 12 years old and in children below 18 years who have undergone surgery or removal of tonsils and/or adenoid glands (glands that help protect the body from bacteria and viruses), unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Some genetic traits can affect this medicine's level in the blood. Individuals who are ultrarapid metabolisers of CYP2D6 may experience enhanced effects of this medicine which also increases the risk of causing serious side effects. On the other hand, individuals who are poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may respond poorer to this medicine. Though not routinely done, your doctor may advise you to undergo genetic testing to check if this medicine is best suited for you. If you know you have either of these gene types, alert your doctor.
Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following:
- history of epilepsy (seizures or fits) or at risk for this condition e.g. head injury, withdrawal from alcohol or drug use
- mental health conditions e.g. anxiety disorders, depression
- history of drug or alcohol abuse
- increased pressure in the brain
- lung disease e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe)
- heart and blood circulation disease e.g. history of heart attack
- problems in the pancreas or gallbladder
- thyroid problems
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Tramadol to a child aged 12 years and above or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Avoid long-term use of any painkillers.
Do not take this medicine for any other purpose other than what your doctor has advised.
Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Tramadol may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, vomiting, indigestion, tiredness, itching, unusual sweating, and rashes.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- changes in balance, confusion, hallucinations, fever, fast or abnormal heartbeat, muscle twitching or stiffness
- fits or seizures
- difficulty, slow, or shallowing breathing
- severe constipation or stomach pain
- difficulty focusing or memory problems
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Tramadol if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines that can cause drowsiness or affect your concentration e.g. diazepam
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, bupropion
- other strong painkillers e.g. buprenorphine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- medicines for migraine e.g. sumatriptan
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- ritonavir (medicine for HIV infection)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Tramadol.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Tramadol may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by alcohol intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Sign Out
