DRUG STUDY

Generic Name: Tramadol

Brand Name: Ultram

Drug Classification: Analgesic

Mode of Action: used in the treatment of pain ranging from moderate to moderately severe. Tablets
with prolonged release are typically prescribed to adults with chronic pain that ranges from moderate to
fairly severe and need ongoing treatment over an extended period of time.

Suggested Dose: Ultram IR - 50 mg tablet once every 4-6 hours as needed for pain

Ultram ER - 100 mg ER tablet once daily

Indications & Contraindications: contraindicated to a child 12 years below, undergone surgery to

remove the tonsils and/or adenoids, who have breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea,
obesity, or lung problems, bowel blockage, allergic to tramadol, consumed a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (also known as an MAOI) within the past 14 days to treat their depression.

Side & Adverse Effects: dizziness, sore throat, flushing, itching or skin rash, constipation, seizures,
serotonin syndrome, hypersensitivity reactions, toxic skin reactions, respiratory depression, secondary
hypogonadism, thyroid dysfunction, psychosis

Drug Interactions: Alcohol, carbamazepine, quinidine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective
serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs), alcohol, anesthetics, narcotics, tranquilizers, and sedative hypnotics. herbals
with sedative properties

Nursing Responsibilities (10):

1. Check doctor’s order

2. Assess for hypersensitivity to tramadol, pregnancy, lactation
3. Examine the type, location, and degree of discomfort prior to the administration as well as 2-3
hours (peak) later.
4. Evaluate prior analgesic use. Tramadol is contraindicated in people who are opioid-dependent
or who have received opioids for more than one week.
5. Pre- and post-administration VS checks.
6. Examine bowel function regularly. Constipation should be prevented by increasing fluid intake
and using laxatives to lessen constipating effects.
7. Note age groupings and pain-relieving doses. Geriatric individuals may need monitoring during
dosage titration.
8. Administer with food or milk to prevent GI upset.
9. Toxic dose will result in convulsions and respiratory depression.
10. Further monitor patient for seizures. The higher the dose the higher the risk of having seizures.

Health Teachings: Avoid alcohol, other narcotics, sedatives.

Avoid alertness and motor work until medication reaction is established.

 Report severe confusion, heavy perspiration, trouble breathing, excessive sedation,
seizures, muscle weakness, tremors, chest pain, and palpitations.

Misuse or overdosing can lead to death

Reference:

Ultram: Pain Management Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning. (n.d.). RxList. Retrieved
January 31, 2023, from https://www.rxlist.com/ultram-drug.htm

Ultram: Pain Management Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions, Warning. (n.d.). RxList. Retrieved
January 31, 2023, from https://www.rxlist.com/ultram-drug.htm