TRAMARITE 2ML INJ
— Product

TRAMARITE 2ML INJ

TRAMADOL HCL 50MG 2ML INJ

TRAMARITE 2ML INJ is an injection of tramadol hydrochloride 50 mg per ml in a 2 ml ampoule, a centrally acting opioid analgesic given intramuscularly or by slow intravenous injection. It is used for moderate to severe acute pain — post-operative pain, renal colic, trauma and acute musculoskeletal injury.

01

Benefits

  • Combines weak opioid receptor agonism with inhibition of noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake, giving analgesia through two mechanisms.
  • Causes less respiratory depression than conventional strong opioids at equianalgesic doses.
  • Less constipating than morphine and with a lower risk of dependence, though the risk is real.
  • The injectable route gives rapid relief where oral analgesia is impractical or insufficient.
  • Useful as a step between simple analgesics and strong opioids in the acute setting.
02

Side effects

Not everyone gets these. Most are mild and settle as the course finishes.

Common
  • Nausea and vomiting, which are common and often limiting
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Sweating
  • Dry mouth
Less common
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Confusion, particularly in the elderly
  • Fall in blood pressure after rapid intravenous injection
Stop and get medical help if any of these occur
  • Slow or shallow breathing, or difficulty rousing the patient
  • Seizures
  • Agitation, confusion, fever, sweating, tremor or muscle rigidity — this may be serotonin syndrome
  • Severe drowsiness with pinpoint pupils
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing
  • Confusion with nausea and headache, which may indicate low sodium
03

Precautions

  • Tramadol lowers the seizure threshold. Contraindicated in uncontrolled epilepsy, and use with caution in any seizure history, in head injury, and alongside other drugs that lower the threshold.
  • Risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs, triptans and linezolid. Contraindicated with, or within fourteen days of, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
  • Combining with benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids or alcohol causes profound sedation and respiratory depression and can be fatal.
  • Tramadol is a controlled drug with real dependence potential. Use for the shortest period necessary and avoid in a history of substance misuse.
  • Analgesic effect depends on CYP2D6 metabolism — ultra-rapid metabolisers are at risk of opioid toxicity, poor metabolisers of inadequate analgesia.
  • Contraindicated in children under twelve, and after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy in children under eighteen.
  • Dose reduction is required in the elderly and in hepatic or renal impairment. Give intravenous doses slowly.
  • Causes drowsiness — the patient must not drive. Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding only where clearly indicated.