Emergency Medical Minute Podcast #306: Tramadol Drama
Mar 16, 2018
03:17
Author: Nick Hatch, M.D.
Educational Pearls
- Tramadol acts at multiple receptors and is a partial agonist at the mu opioid receptor, but also blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine throughout the body among others.
- One major side effect to be aware of is that it lowers the seizure threshold.
- Useful in setting of pain control in patients with contraindications to NSAIDs who are poor opioid candidates.
- Use with caution as it potential for abuse.
References
Hennies HH, Friderichs E, Schneider J (July 1988). "Receptor binding, analgesic and antitussive potency of tramadol and other selected opioids". Arzneimittel-Forschung. 38 (7): 877–80.
"Tramadol Hydrochloride". The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Retrieved Dec 1, 2014.
"Withdrawal syndrome and dependence: tramadol too". Prescrire Int. 12 (65): 99–100. 2003