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Drug information

Tramadol

POM
Read time: 19 mins
Last updated: 09 Jul 2020

Summary of product characteristics


1. Name of the medicinal product

Tramadol Hydrochloride 50mg Capsules.


2. Qualitative and quantitative composition

Each capsule contains 50mg tramadol hydrochloride.

For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1


3. Pharmaceutical form

Hard Capsules.

Green cap and yellow body, hard gelatine capsules containing a white odourless powder.


4.1. Therapeutic indications

Tramadol Hydrochloride 50mg Capsules are indicated for:

Management (treatment and prevention) of moderate to severe pain.


4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Prior to starting treatment with opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a strategy for ending treatment with Tramadol in order to minimise the risk of addiction and drug withdrawal syndrome (see section 4.4).

The dose should be adjusted according to the intensity of the pain and the sensitivity of the individual patient. The lowest effective dose for analgesia should generally be selected. A total oral daily dose of 400mg should not be exceeded except in special clinical circumstances.

Unless otherwise prescribed, tramadol should be administered as follows:

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

Acute pain - An initial dose of 100mg is usually necessary. This can be followed by doses of 50 or 100mg at 4-6 hourly intervals, and duration of treatment should be matched to clinical need (see section 5.1).

Pain associated with chronic conditions - An initial dose of 50mg is advised and then titration according to pain severity. The need for continued treatment should be assessed at regular intervals as withdrawal symptoms and dependence have been reported (see section 4.4).

Children under 12 years:

Tramadol capsules are not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Geriatric patients:

A dose adjustment is not usually necessary in patients up to 75 years without clinically manifest hepatic or renal insufficiency. In elderly patients over 75 years elimination may be prolonged. Therefore, if necessary the dosage interval is to be extended according to the patient's requirements.

It should be noted that in volunteers aged over 75 years the elimination half-life of tramadol was increased by approximately 17% following oral administration.

Renal insufficiency/dialysis and hepatic insufficiency:

In patients with renal and/or hepatic insufficiency the elimination of tramadol is delayed. In these patients prolongation of the dosage intervals should be carefully considered according to the patient's requirements.

For patients with creatinine clearance of less than 30ml/min, the dosage interval should be increased to 12 hours. Tramadol is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment where the creatinine clearance is less than 10ml/min.

As tramadol is only removed very slowly by haemodialysis or haemofiltration, post-dialysis administration to maintain analgesia is not usually necessary.

In severe hepatic impairment the dosage interval should be increased to 12 hours.

Method of administration

For oral administration.

The capsules should be swallowed whole, not divided or chewed. They should be taken with sufficient liquid, with or without food.

Duration of administration

Tramadol should under no circumstances be administered for longer than absolutely necessary. If long-term pain treatment with tramadol is necessary in view of the nature and severity of the illness, then careful and regular monitoring should be carried out (if necessary with breaks in treatment) to establish whether and to what extent further treatment is necessary.


4.3. Contraindications

Tramadol is contraindicated:

o in hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1

o in acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, analgesics, opioids or other psychotropic medicinal products

o in patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors or who have taken them within the last 14 days (see section 4.5)

o in patients with epilepsy not adequately controlled by treatment

o for use in narcotic withdrawal treatment

o in patients with porphyria

o during an asthmatic attack.


4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Tramadol may only be used with particular caution in opioid-dependent patients, patients with head injury, shock, a reduced level of consciousness of uncertain origin, disorders of the respiratory centre or function, increased intracranial pressure.

In patients sensitive to opiates the product should only be used with caution.

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving tramadol at the recommended dose levels. The risk may be increased when doses of tramadol exceed the recommended upper daily dose limit (400mg). In addition, tramadol may increase the seizure risk in patients taking other medicinal products that lowers the seizure threshold (see section 4.5).

Patients with epilepsy or those susceptible to seizures should be only treated with tramadol if there are compelling circumstances.

Care should be taken when treating patients with respiratory depression, or if concomitant CNS depressant drugs are being administered (see section 4.5), or if the recommended dosage is significantly exceeded (see section 4.9) as the possibility of respiratory depression cannot be excluded in these situations.

Tramadol should be prescribed with special care in patients with hypotension, prostatic hypertrophy and obstructive or inflammatory bowel disease.

Tramadol is not suitable as a substitute in opioid–dependent patients. Although it is an opioid agonist, tramadol cannot suppress morphine withdrawal symptoms.

CYP2D6 metabolism

Tramadol is metabolised by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. If a patient has a deficiency or is completely lacking this enzyme an adequate analgesic effect may not be obtained. Estimates indicate that up to 7% of the Caucasian population may have this deficiency. However, if the patient is an ultra-rapid metaboliser there is a risk of developing side effects of opioid toxicity even at commonly prescribed doses.

General symptoms of opioid toxicity include confusion, somnolence, shallow breathing, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, constipation and lack of appetite. In severe cases this may include symptoms of circulatory and respiratory depression, which may be life threatening and very rarely fatal. Estimates of prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolisers in different populations are summarised below:

Population

African/Ethiopian

African American

Asian

Caucasian

Greek

Hungarian

Northern European

Prevalence %

29%

3.4% to 6.5%

1.2% to 2%

3.6% to 6.5%

6.0%

1.9%

1% to 2%

Post-operative use in children

There have been reports in the published literature that tramadol given post-operatively in children after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea, led to rare, but life-threatening adverse events. Extreme caution should be exercised when tramadol is administered to children for post-operative pain relief and should be accompanied by close monitoring for symptoms of opioid toxicity including respiratory depression.

Children with compromised respiratory function

Tramadol is not recommended for use in children in whom respiratory function might be compromised including neuromuscular disorders, severe cardiac or respiratory conditions, upper respiratory or lung infections, multiple trauma or extensive surgical procedures. These factors may worsen symptoms of opioid toxicity.

Precautions:

Tramadol hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with severe impairment of hepatic and renal function.

In one study the use of tramadol hydrochloride during general anaesthesia with enflurane and nitrous oxide was reported to enhance intraoperative recall. Until further information is available use of tramadol during light planes of general anaesthesia should be avoided.

Risk from concomitant use of sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs:

Concomitant use of tramadol and sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs may result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Because of these risks, concomitant prescribing with these sedative medicines should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatment options are not possible. If a decision is made to prescribe tramadol concomitantly with sedative medicines, the lowest effective dose should be used, and the duration of treatment should be as short as possible.

The patients should be followed closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In this respect, it is strongly recommended to inform patients and their caregivers to be aware of these symptoms (see section 4.5).

Drug dependence, tolerance and potential for abuse

For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence (addiction), even at therapeutic doses. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression).

Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of opioid misuse.

A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.

Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.

Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else.

Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.

The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly.

Drug withdrawal syndrome

Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with Tramadol.

Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months.

The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate.

If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Hyperalgesia

Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain. This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose.


4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Tramadol should not be combined with MAO inhibitors (see section 4.3).

In patients treated with MAO inhibitors in the 14 days prior to the use of the opioid pethidine, life-threatening interactions on the central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular function have been observed. The same interactions with MAO inhibitors cannot be ruled out during treatment with tramadol.

Concomitant administration of tramadol with other centrally depressant medicinal products including alcohol may potentiate CNS effects (see section 4.8).

Sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs:

The concomitant use of opioids with sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death because of additive CNS depressant effect. The dose and duration of concomitant use should be limited (see section 4.4).

The results of pharmacokinetic studies have so far shown that on the concomitant or previous administration of cimetidine (enzyme inhibitor) clinically relevant interactions are unlikely to occur. Simultaneous or previous administration of carbamazepine (enzyme inducer) may reduce the analgesic effect and shorten the duration of action.

There is a theoretical possibility that tramadol could interact with lithium due to their respective mechanisms of action.

Tramadol can induce convulsions and increase the potential for selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, anti-psychotics and other seizure threshold-lowering medicinal products (such as bupropion, mirtazapine, tetrahydrocannabinol) to cause convulsions.

Concomitant therapeutic use of tramadol and serotonergic drugs such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), MAO inhibitors (see section 4.3), tricyclic antidepressants and mirtazapine that may cause serotonin toxicity. Serotonin syndrome is likely when one of the following is observed:

Spontaneous clonus

Inducible or ocular clonus with agitation or diaphoresis

Tremor and hyperreflexia

Hypertonia and body temperature > 38 °C and inducible or ocular clonus.

The other signs of serotonin syndrome may be confusion, ataxia and diarrhoea. Withdrawal of the serotoninergic medicinal products usually brings about a rapid improvement. Treatment depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms.

The combination with mixed agonist/antagonists (e.g. buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) and tramadol is not advisable, because the analgesic effect of a pure agonist may be theoretically reduced in such circumstances.

Caution should be exercised during concomitant treatment with tramadol and coumarin derivatives (e.g. warfarin) due to reports of increased INR with major bleeding and ecchymoses in some patients.

Other active substances known to inhibit CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole and erythromycin, might inhibit the metabolism of tramadol (N-demethylation) probably also the metabolism of the active O-demethylated metabolite. The clinical importance of such an interaction has not been studied (see section 4.8).

In a limited number of studies, the pre- or postoperative application of the antiemetic 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron increased the requirement of tramadol in patients with postoperative pain.


4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Animal studies with tramadol revealed at very high doses effects on organ development, ossification and neonatal mortality. Tramadol crosses the placenta. There is inadequate evidence available on the safety of tramadol in human pregnancy. Therefore tramadol should not be used in pregnant women.

Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate.

If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available.

Tramadol - administered before or during birth - does not affect uterine contractility.

Breast-feeding

Administration to nursing women is not recommended as Tramadol may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.

Approximately 0.1% of the maternal dose of tramadol is excreted in breast milk. In the immediate post-partum period, for maternal oral daily dosage up to 400mg, this corresponds to a mean amount of tramadol ingested by breast-fed infants of 3% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. For this reason, tramadol should not be used during lactation or alternatively, breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with tramadol. Discontinuation of breast-feeding is generally not necessary following a single dose of tramadol.

Fertility

Post marketing surveillance does not suggest an effect of tramadol on fertility. Animal studies did not show an effect of tramadol on fertility.


4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Even when taken according to instructions, tramadol may cause effects such as somnolence and dizziness and therefore may impair the reactions of drivers and machine operators. This applies particularly in conjunction and other psychotropic substances, particularly alcohol.

This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:

• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive

• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you

• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine

• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:

o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and

o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and

o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely


4.8. Undesirable effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are nausea and dizziness, both occurring in more than 10% of patients.

The frequencies are defined as follows:

Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100) rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known: cannot be estimated from the available data

Cardiovascular disorders:

Uncommon: cardiovascular regulation (palpitation, tachycardia, postural hypotension cardiovascular collapse. These adverse reactions may occur especially on intravenous administration and in patients who are physically stressed

Rare: increase in blood pressure, bradycardia

Eye disorders:

Rare: blurred vision, miosis, mydriasis

Gastro-intestinal disorders:

Very common: nausea

Common: vomiting, constipation, dry mouth

Uncommon: retching; gastrointestinal discomfort (a feeling of pressure in the stomach, bloating), diarrhoea

Hepatobiliary disorders:

In a few isolated cases an increase in liver enzyme values has been reported in a temporal connection with the therapeutic use of tramadol.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders:

Rare: changes in appetite

Not known: hypoglycaemia

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:

Rare: motor weakness

Nervous system disorders:

Very common: dizziness

Common: headache, somnolence

Rare: paraesthesia, tremor, epileptiform, convulsion, involuntary muscle contractions, abnormal coordination, syncope, speech disorders

Convulsions occurred mainly after administration of high doses of tramadol or after concomitant treatment with medicinal products which can lower the seizure threshold (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:

Rare: dyspnoea, respiratory depression

If the recommended doses are considerably exceeded and other centrally depressant substances are administered concomitantly (see section 4.5), respiratory depression may occur.

Worsening of asthma has been reported, though a causal relationship has not been established

General disorders:

Common: fatigue

Uncommon: drug withdrawal syndrome

Psychiatric disorders:

Rare: confusion, hallucination, sleep disturbance, delirium, anxiety and nightmares.

Frequency unknown: Drug dependence (see section 4.4)

Psychic adverse reactions may occur following administration of tramadol which vary individually in intensity and nature (depending on personality and duration of treatment). These include changes in mood (usually elation, occasionally dysphoria), changes in activity (usually suppression, occasionally increase) and changes in cognitive and sensorial capacity (e.g. decision behaviour, perception disorders). Dependence may occur.

Symptoms of drug withdrawal syndrome, similar to those occurring during opiate withdrawal, may occur as follows: agitation, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperkinesia, tremor and gastrointestinal symptoms. Other symptoms that have very rarely been seen with tramadol discontinuation include: panic attacks, severe anxiety, hallucinations, paraesthesias, tinnitus and unusual CNS symptoms (i.e. confusion, delusions, depersonalisation, derealisation, paranoia).

Immune system disorders:

Rare: anaphylaxis, allergic reactions (e.g. dyspnoea, bronchospasm, wheezing, angioneurotic oedema)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Common: hyperhidrosis

Uncommon: dermal reactions (e.g. pruritus, skin rash, urticaria)

Renal and urinary disorders:

Rare: micturition disorder (dysuria and urinary retention)

Vascular disorders:

Rare: flushing, orthostatic hypotension

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

Cases of blood dyscrasias have been rarely observed during treatment with tramadol but causality has not been established.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.


4.9. Overdose

Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of overdose and to ensure that family and friends are also aware of these signs and to seek immediate medical help if they occur.

Symptoms

In principle, on intoxication with tramadol symptoms similar to those of other centrally acting analgesics (opioids) are to be expected. These include in particular miosis, vomiting, cardiovascular collapse, consciousness disorders up to coma, convulsions and respiratory depression up to respiratory arrest.

Treatment

The general emergency measures apply. Keep open the respiratory tract (aspiration!), maintain respiration and circulation depending on the symptoms. The antidote for respiratory depression is naloxone. In animal experiments naloxone had no effect on convulsions. In such cases diazepam should be given intravenously.

In case of intoxication orally, gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal or by gastric lavage is only recommended within 2 hours after tramadol intake. Gastrointestinal decontamination at a later time point may be useful in case of intoxication with exceptionally large quantities or prolonged-release formulation.

Tramadol hydrochloride is minimally eliminated from the serum by haemodialysis or haemofiltration. Therefore, treatment of acute intoxication with tramadol with haemodialysis or haemofiltration alone is not suitable for detoxification.


5.1. Pharmacodynamic properties

Pharmacotherapeutic group: other opioids

ATC code: N02 AX02

Tramadol hydrochloride is a centrally acting opioid analgesic. It is a non-selective pure agonist at mu (μ), delta (δ) and kappa (k) opioid receptors with a higher affinity for the mu (μ) receptor. Other mechanisms which contribute to its analgesic effect are inhibition of neuronal re-uptake of noradrenaline and potentiation of serotonin release.

Tramadol has an antitussive effect. In contrast to morphine, analgesic doses of tramadol over a wide range have no respiratory depressant effect. Also, gastrointestinal motility is less affected. Effects on the cardiovascular system tend to be slight. The potency of tramadol is reported to be 1/10 (one tenth) to 1/6 (one sixth) that of morphine.

Paediatric population

Effects of enteral and parenteral administration of tramadol have been investigated in clinical trials involving more than 2000 paediatric patients ranging in age from neonate to 17 years of age. The indications for pain treatment studied in those trials included pain after surgery (mainly abdominal), after surgical tooth extractions, due to fractures, burns and traumas as well as other painful conditions likely to require analgesic treatment for at least 7 days.

At single doses of up to 2mg/kg or multiple doses of up to 8mg/kg per day (to a maximum of 400mg per day) efficacy of tramadol was found to be superior to placebo, and superior or equal to paracetamol, nalbuphine, pethidine or low dose morphine. The conducted trials confirmed the efficacy of tramadol. The safety profile of tramadol was similar in adult and paediatric patients older than 1 year (see section 4.2).


5.2. Pharmacokinetic properties

More than 90% of tramadol is absorbed after oral administration. The mean absolute bioavailability is approximately 70%, irrespective of the concomitant intake of food. The difference between absorbed and non-metabolised available tramadol is probably due to the low first-pass effect. The first-pass effect after oral administration is a maximum of 30%.

Tramadol has a high tissue affinity (V d,ß= 203 + 40 l). It has a plasma protein binding of about 20%.

Following a single oral dose administration of tramadol 100mg as capsules or tablets to young healthy volunteers, plasma concentrations were detectable within approximately 15 to 45 minutes within a mean Cmax of 280 to 208mcg/L and Tmax of 1.6 to 2h.

Tramadol passes the blood-brain and placental barriers. Very small amounts of the substance and its O-desmethyl derivative are found in the breast-milk (0.1% and 0.02% respectively of the applied dose).

Elimination half-life t½ ß is approximately 6 h, irrespective of the mode of administration. In patients above 75 years of age it may be prolonged by a factor of approximately 1.4.

In humans, tramadol is mainly metabolised by means of N- and O-demethylation and conjugation of the O-demethylation products with glucuronic acid. Only O-desmethyltramadol is pharmacologically active. There are considerable interindividual quantitative differences between the other metabolites. So far, eleven metabolites have been found in the urine. Animal experiments have shown that O-desmethyltramadol is more potent than the parent substance by the factor 2 - 4. Its half-life t1/2,ß (6 healthy volunteers) is 7.9 h (range 5.4 - 9.6 h) and is approximately that of tramadol.

The inhibition of one or both types of the isoenzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 involved in the biotransformation of tramadol may affect the plasma concentration of tramadol or its active metabolite.

Tramadol and its metabolites are almost completely excreted via the kidneys. Cumulative urinary excretion is 90% of the total radioactivity of the administered dose. In cases of impaired hepatic and renal function the half-life may be slightly prolonged. In patients with cirrhosis of the liver, elimination half-lives of 13.3 ± 4.9h (tramadol) and 18.5 + 9.4 h (O-desmethyltramadol), in an extreme case 22.3 h and 36 h respectively, have been determined. In patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 5 ml/min) the values were 11 ± 3.2 h and 16.9 + 3 h, in an extreme case 19.5 h and 43.2 h respectively.

Tramadol has a linear pharmacokinetic profile within the therapeutic dosage range.

The relationship between serum concentrations and the analgesic effect is dose-dependent, but varies considerably in isolated cases. A serum concentration of 100 - 300 ng/ml is usually effective.

Paediatric population

The pharmacokinetics of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol after single-dose and multiple-dose oral administration to subjects aged 1 year to 16 years were found to be generally similar to those in adults when adjusting for dose by body weight, but with a higher between-subject variability in children aged 8 years and below.

In children below 1 year of age, the pharmacokinetics of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol have been investigated, but have not been fully characterized. Information from studies including this age group indicates that the formation rate of O-desmethyltramadol via CYP2D6 increases continuously in neonates, and adult levels of CYP2D6 activity are assumed to be reached at about 1 year of age. In addition, immature glucuronidation systems and immature renal function may result in slow elimination and accumulation of O-desmethyltramadol in children under 1 year of age.


5.3. Preclinical safety data

On repeated oral and parenteral administration of tramadol for 6 - 26 weeks in rats and dogs and oral administration for 12 months in dogs haematological, clinico-chemical and histological investigations showed no evidence of any substance-related changes. Central nervous manifestations only occurred after high doses considerably above the therapeutic range: restlessness, salivation, convulsions, and reduced weight gain. Rats and dogs tolerated oral doses of 20mg/kg and 10mg/kg body weight respectively, and dogs' rectal doses of 20mg/kg body weight without any reactions.

In rats, tramadol dosages from 50mg/kg/day upwards caused toxic effects in dams and raised neonate mortality. In the offspring retardation occurred in the form of ossification disorders and delayed vaginal and eye opening. Male fertility was not affected. After higher doses (from 50mg/kg/day upwards) females exhibited a reduced pregnancy rate. In rabbits there were toxic effects in dams from 125mg/kg upwards and skeletal anomalies in the offspring.

In some in-vitro test systems there was evidence of mutagenic effects. In-vivo studies showed no such effects. According to knowledge gained so far, tramadol can be classified as non-mutagenic.

Studies on the tumorigenic potential of tramadol hydrochloride have been carried out in rats and mice. The study in rats showed no evidence of any substance-related increase in the incidence of tumours. In the study in mice there was an increased incidence of liver cell adenomas in male animals (a dose-dependent, non-significant increase from 15mg/kg upwards) and an increase in pulmonary tumours in females of all dosage groups (significant, but not dose-dependent).


6.1. List of excipients

Calcium hydrogen phosphate, dihydrate

Sodium starch glycollate (type A)

Magnesium stearate

Gelatin capsules consisting of:

Titanium dioxide (E171)

Yellow ferric oxide (E172)

Gelatin

Indigotin (E132)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)


6.2. Incompatibilities

None known.


6.3. Shelf life

4 years


6.4. Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25°C.


6.5. Nature and contents of container

Blister packs (Aluminium/PP, Aluminium/PVC) in cardboard box.

10, 28, 30, 56 or 100 capsules

Not all packs sizes may be marketed.


6.6. Special precautions for disposal and other handling

No special requirements for disposal.

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.


7. Marketing authorisation holder

Tillomed Laboratories Ltd

220 Butterfield

Great Marlings

Luton

LU2 8DL

UK


8. Marketing authorisation number(s)

PL 11311/0084


9. Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 09/10/1998

Date of renewal: 06/05/2011


10. Date of revision of the text

06/05/2020

4.1 Therapeutic indications

Tramadol Hydrochloride 50mg Capsules are indicated for:

Management (treatment and prevention) of moderate to severe pain.

4.2 Posology and method of administration

Posology

Prior to starting treatment with opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a strategy for ending treatment with Tramadol in order to minimise the risk of addiction and drug withdrawal syndrome (see section 4.4).

The dose should be adjusted according to the intensity of the pain and the sensitivity of the individual patient. The lowest effective dose for analgesia should generally be selected. A total oral daily dose of 400mg should not be exceeded except in special clinical circumstances.

Unless otherwise prescribed, tramadol should be administered as follows:

Adults and children aged 12 years and over:

Acute pain - An initial dose of 100mg is usually necessary. This can be followed by doses of 50 or 100mg at 4-6 hourly intervals, and duration of treatment should be matched to clinical need (see section 5.1).

Pain associated with chronic conditions - An initial dose of 50mg is advised and then titration according to pain severity. The need for continued treatment should be assessed at regular intervals as withdrawal symptoms and dependence have been reported (see section 4.4).

Children under 12 years:

Tramadol capsules are not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Geriatric patients:

A dose adjustment is not usually necessary in patients up to 75 years without clinically manifest hepatic or renal insufficiency. In elderly patients over 75 years elimination may be prolonged. Therefore, if necessary the dosage interval is to be extended according to the patient's requirements.

It should be noted that in volunteers aged over 75 years the elimination half-life of tramadol was increased by approximately 17% following oral administration.

Renal insufficiency/dialysis and hepatic insufficiency:

In patients with renal and/or hepatic insufficiency the elimination of tramadol is delayed. In these patients prolongation of the dosage intervals should be carefully considered according to the patient's requirements.

For patients with creatinine clearance of less than 30ml/min, the dosage interval should be increased to 12 hours. Tramadol is not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment where the creatinine clearance is less than 10ml/min.

As tramadol is only removed very slowly by haemodialysis or haemofiltration, post-dialysis administration to maintain analgesia is not usually necessary.

In severe hepatic impairment the dosage interval should be increased to 12 hours.

Method of administration

For oral administration.

The capsules should be swallowed whole, not divided or chewed. They should be taken with sufficient liquid, with or without food.

Duration of administration

Tramadol should under no circumstances be administered for longer than absolutely necessary. If long-term pain treatment with tramadol is necessary in view of the nature and severity of the illness, then careful and regular monitoring should be carried out (if necessary with breaks in treatment) to establish whether and to what extent further treatment is necessary.

4.3 Contraindications

Tramadol is contraindicated:

o in hypersensitivity to the active substance or any of the excipients listed in section 6.1

o in acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, analgesics, opioids or other psychotropic medicinal products

o in patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors or who have taken them within the last 14 days (see section 4.5)

o in patients with epilepsy not adequately controlled by treatment

o for use in narcotic withdrawal treatment

o in patients with porphyria

o during an asthmatic attack.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Tramadol may only be used with particular caution in opioid-dependent patients, patients with head injury, shock, a reduced level of consciousness of uncertain origin, disorders of the respiratory centre or function, increased intracranial pressure.

In patients sensitive to opiates the product should only be used with caution.

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving tramadol at the recommended dose levels. The risk may be increased when doses of tramadol exceed the recommended upper daily dose limit (400mg). In addition, tramadol may increase the seizure risk in patients taking other medicinal products that lowers the seizure threshold (see section 4.5).

Patients with epilepsy or those susceptible to seizures should be only treated with tramadol if there are compelling circumstances.

Care should be taken when treating patients with respiratory depression, or if concomitant CNS depressant drugs are being administered (see section 4.5), or if the recommended dosage is significantly exceeded (see section 4.9) as the possibility of respiratory depression cannot be excluded in these situations.

Tramadol should be prescribed with special care in patients with hypotension, prostatic hypertrophy and obstructive or inflammatory bowel disease.

Tramadol is not suitable as a substitute in opioid–dependent patients. Although it is an opioid agonist, tramadol cannot suppress morphine withdrawal symptoms.

CYP2D6 metabolism

Tramadol is metabolised by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. If a patient has a deficiency or is completely lacking this enzyme an adequate analgesic effect may not be obtained. Estimates indicate that up to 7% of the Caucasian population may have this deficiency. However, if the patient is an ultra-rapid metaboliser there is a risk of developing side effects of opioid toxicity even at commonly prescribed doses.

General symptoms of opioid toxicity include confusion, somnolence, shallow breathing, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, constipation and lack of appetite. In severe cases this may include symptoms of circulatory and respiratory depression, which may be life threatening and very rarely fatal. Estimates of prevalence of ultra-rapid metabolisers in different populations are summarised below:

Population

African/Ethiopian

African American

Asian

Caucasian

Greek

Hungarian

Northern European

Prevalence %

29%

3.4% to 6.5%

1.2% to 2%

3.6% to 6.5%

6.0%

1.9%

1% to 2%

Post-operative use in children

There have been reports in the published literature that tramadol given post-operatively in children after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea, led to rare, but life-threatening adverse events. Extreme caution should be exercised when tramadol is administered to children for post-operative pain relief and should be accompanied by close monitoring for symptoms of opioid toxicity including respiratory depression.

Children with compromised respiratory function

Tramadol is not recommended for use in children in whom respiratory function might be compromised including neuromuscular disorders, severe cardiac or respiratory conditions, upper respiratory or lung infections, multiple trauma or extensive surgical procedures. These factors may worsen symptoms of opioid toxicity.

Precautions:

Tramadol hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with severe impairment of hepatic and renal function.

In one study the use of tramadol hydrochloride during general anaesthesia with enflurane and nitrous oxide was reported to enhance intraoperative recall. Until further information is available use of tramadol during light planes of general anaesthesia should be avoided.

Risk from concomitant use of sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs:

Concomitant use of tramadol and sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs may result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Because of these risks, concomitant prescribing with these sedative medicines should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatment options are not possible. If a decision is made to prescribe tramadol concomitantly with sedative medicines, the lowest effective dose should be used, and the duration of treatment should be as short as possible.

The patients should be followed closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In this respect, it is strongly recommended to inform patients and their caregivers to be aware of these symptoms (see section 4.5).

Drug dependence, tolerance and potential for abuse

For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence (addiction), even at therapeutic doses. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression).

Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of opioid misuse.

A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.

Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.

Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else.

Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.

The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly.

Drug withdrawal syndrome

Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with Tramadol.

Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months.

The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate.

If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Hyperalgesia

Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain. This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose.

4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Tramadol should not be combined with MAO inhibitors (see section 4.3).

In patients treated with MAO inhibitors in the 14 days prior to the use of the opioid pethidine, life-threatening interactions on the central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular function have been observed. The same interactions with MAO inhibitors cannot be ruled out during treatment with tramadol.

Concomitant administration of tramadol with other centrally depressant medicinal products including alcohol may potentiate CNS effects (see section 4.8).

Sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs:

The concomitant use of opioids with sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death because of additive CNS depressant effect. The dose and duration of concomitant use should be limited (see section 4.4).

The results of pharmacokinetic studies have so far shown that on the concomitant or previous administration of cimetidine (enzyme inhibitor) clinically relevant interactions are unlikely to occur. Simultaneous or previous administration of carbamazepine (enzyme inducer) may reduce the analgesic effect and shorten the duration of action.

There is a theoretical possibility that tramadol could interact with lithium due to their respective mechanisms of action.

Tramadol can induce convulsions and increase the potential for selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, anti-psychotics and other seizure threshold-lowering medicinal products (such as bupropion, mirtazapine, tetrahydrocannabinol) to cause convulsions.

Concomitant therapeutic use of tramadol and serotonergic drugs such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), MAO inhibitors (see section 4.3), tricyclic antidepressants and mirtazapine that may cause serotonin toxicity. Serotonin syndrome is likely when one of the following is observed:

Spontaneous clonus

Inducible or ocular clonus with agitation or diaphoresis

Tremor and hyperreflexia

Hypertonia and body temperature > 38 °C and inducible or ocular clonus.

The other signs of serotonin syndrome may be confusion, ataxia and diarrhoea. Withdrawal of the serotoninergic medicinal products usually brings about a rapid improvement. Treatment depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms.

The combination with mixed agonist/antagonists (e.g. buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) and tramadol is not advisable, because the analgesic effect of a pure agonist may be theoretically reduced in such circumstances.

Caution should be exercised during concomitant treatment with tramadol and coumarin derivatives (e.g. warfarin) due to reports of increased INR with major bleeding and ecchymoses in some patients.

Other active substances known to inhibit CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole and erythromycin, might inhibit the metabolism of tramadol (N-demethylation) probably also the metabolism of the active O-demethylated metabolite. The clinical importance of such an interaction has not been studied (see section 4.8).

In a limited number of studies, the pre- or postoperative application of the antiemetic 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron increased the requirement of tramadol in patients with postoperative pain.

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Animal studies with tramadol revealed at very high doses effects on organ development, ossification and neonatal mortality. Tramadol crosses the placenta. There is inadequate evidence available on the safety of tramadol in human pregnancy. Therefore tramadol should not be used in pregnant women.

Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate.

If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.

Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available.

Tramadol - administered before or during birth - does not affect uterine contractility.

Breast-feeding

Administration to nursing women is not recommended as Tramadol may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.

Approximately 0.1% of the maternal dose of tramadol is excreted in breast milk. In the immediate post-partum period, for maternal oral daily dosage up to 400mg, this corresponds to a mean amount of tramadol ingested by breast-fed infants of 3% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. For this reason, tramadol should not be used during lactation or alternatively, breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with tramadol. Discontinuation of breast-feeding is generally not necessary following a single dose of tramadol.

Fertility

Post marketing surveillance does not suggest an effect of tramadol on fertility. Animal studies did not show an effect of tramadol on fertility.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Even when taken according to instructions, tramadol may cause effects such as somnolence and dizziness and therefore may impair the reactions of drivers and machine operators. This applies particularly in conjunction and other psychotropic substances, particularly alcohol.

This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:

• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive

• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you

• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine

• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:

o The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and

o You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and

o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely

4.8 Undesirable effects

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are nausea and dizziness, both occurring in more than 10% of patients.

The frequencies are defined as follows:

Very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100) rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); not known: cannot be estimated from the available data

Cardiovascular disorders:

Uncommon: cardiovascular regulation (palpitation, tachycardia, postural hypotension cardiovascular collapse. These adverse reactions may occur especially on intravenous administration and in patients who are physically stressed

Rare: increase in blood pressure, bradycardia

Eye disorders:

Rare: blurred vision, miosis, mydriasis

Gastro-intestinal disorders:

Very common: nausea

Common: vomiting, constipation, dry mouth

Uncommon: retching; gastrointestinal discomfort (a feeling of pressure in the stomach, bloating), diarrhoea

Hepatobiliary disorders:

In a few isolated cases an increase in liver enzyme values has been reported in a temporal connection with the therapeutic use of tramadol.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders:

Rare: changes in appetite

Not known: hypoglycaemia

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders:

Rare: motor weakness

Nervous system disorders:

Very common: dizziness

Common: headache, somnolence

Rare: paraesthesia, tremor, epileptiform, convulsion, involuntary muscle contractions, abnormal coordination, syncope, speech disorders

Convulsions occurred mainly after administration of high doses of tramadol or after concomitant treatment with medicinal products which can lower the seizure threshold (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:

Rare: dyspnoea, respiratory depression

If the recommended doses are considerably exceeded and other centrally depressant substances are administered concomitantly (see section 4.5), respiratory depression may occur.

Worsening of asthma has been reported, though a causal relationship has not been established

General disorders:

Common: fatigue

Uncommon: drug withdrawal syndrome

Psychiatric disorders:

Rare: confusion, hallucination, sleep disturbance, delirium, anxiety and nightmares.

Frequency unknown: Drug dependence (see section 4.4)

Psychic adverse reactions may occur following administration of tramadol which vary individually in intensity and nature (depending on personality and duration of treatment). These include changes in mood (usually elation, occasionally dysphoria), changes in activity (usually suppression, occasionally increase) and changes in cognitive and sensorial capacity (e.g. decision behaviour, perception disorders). Dependence may occur.

Symptoms of drug withdrawal syndrome, similar to those occurring during opiate withdrawal, may occur as follows: agitation, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperkinesia, tremor and gastrointestinal symptoms. Other symptoms that have very rarely been seen with tramadol discontinuation include: panic attacks, severe anxiety, hallucinations, paraesthesias, tinnitus and unusual CNS symptoms (i.e. confusion, delusions, depersonalisation, derealisation, paranoia).

Immune system disorders:

Rare: anaphylaxis, allergic reactions (e.g. dyspnoea, bronchospasm, wheezing, angioneurotic oedema)

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

Common: hyperhidrosis

Uncommon: dermal reactions (e.g. pruritus, skin rash, urticaria)

Renal and urinary disorders:

Rare: micturition disorder (dysuria and urinary retention)

Vascular disorders:

Rare: flushing, orthostatic hypotension

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

Cases of blood dyscrasias have been rarely observed during treatment with tramadol but causality has not been established.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

Learning Zones

The Learning Zones are an educational resource for healthcare professionals that provide medical information on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and burden of disease, as well as diagnostic techniques and treatment regimens.

 

 

Disclaimer

The drug SPC information (indications, contra-indications, interactions, etc), has been developed in collaboration with eMC (www.medicines.org.uk/emc/). Medthority offers the whole library of SPC documents from eMC.

Medthority will not be held liable for explicit or implicit errors, or missing data.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 

Drug Licencing

Drugs appearing in this section are approved by UK Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), & the European Medicines Agency (EMA).