What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain in cats and dogs. Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed here. It is sold per pill. Tramadol requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance.

For:

Cats and Dogs

Benefits:

• Relieves various causes of pain, including postsurgery pain
• Used to treat chronic pain
• Can be used with or as an alternative to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Sold per pill

How does tramadol work?

Tramadol's exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it's similar to morphine. Like morphine, Tramadol binds to and blocks receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are important for transmitting the sensation of pain throughout the body.

Cautions:

Tell your veterinarian if you give any medicines to your pet, as there are some potential adverse interactions.

Brand Name:

Ultram

Generic Name:

Tramadol

What is the most important thing I should know about tramadol?

Seizures have occurred in humans taking tramadol. You should not give your pet tramadol if the pet has a history of seizures. Do not stop giving tramadol suddenly. Symptoms of sudden withdrawal may include anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, and breathing problems. Talk to your veterinarian about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping this medication.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving tramadol to my pet?

Do not give tramadol if you are giving your pet any of the following drugs; a narcotic pain medicine, sedatives or tranquilizers (such as Valium), or medicine for anxiety. Seizures have occurred in humans taking tramadol. Your pet's risk of seizure may be higher if your pet has any of these conditions; a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder, a metabolic disorder, or if your pet is being given an antidepressant, muscle relaxer, or medicine for nausea and vomiting. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is allergic to any medications, or if your pet has kidney disease, liver disease, or a stomach disorder. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.

How should tramadol be given?

Give tramadol exactly as it was prescribed for your pet. For pain relief, the usual dose in dogs is 0.45-1.8 mg/lb of pet's weight given by mouth every 8-12 hours. For treating chronic cancer pain in dogs, the usual dose is 0.45-1.8 mg/lb of pet's weight given by mouth every 6 hours. The usual dose for cats for chronic pain is 1.8 mg/lb of pet's weight given by mouth twice a day. Do not give in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Allow plenty of water for your pet to drink. Tramadol can be given with or without food. Do not crush the tramadol tablet. Do not stop giving tramadol suddenly. Symptoms of sudden withdrawal may include anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, and breathing problems. Talk to your veterinarian about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping this medication.

What are the potential side effects of tramadol?

Get emergency veterinary medical help if your pet develops these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using tramadol and call your veterinarian at once if your pet has any of these serious side effects: seizure; a red, blistering, peeling skin rash; or shallow breathing. Less serious side effects may include: drowsiness, and weakness; vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite; blurred vision; insomnia.

What happens if I miss giving a dose of tramadol?

Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and give the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not give extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose my pet on tramadol?

Seek emergency veterinary medical attention if you think you have given your pet too much of this medicine. A tramadol overdose can be fatal. Tramadol overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while giving tramadol to my pet?

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, or anxiety can add to drowsiness caused by tramadol. Tell your veterinarian if you give any of these medicines to your pet.

What other drugs will affect tramadol?

Your pet may be more likely to have a seizure if you give tramadol while giving certain other medications. Tell your veterinarian if you are also giving your pet or using any of the following medications: an MAO inhibitor such as selegiline (Anipryl), Mitaban, or a Preventic Collar; an antidepressant such as amitriptyline, clomipramine (Clomicalm), fluoxetine (Prozac, Reconcile), or acepromazine. Also tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given warfarin (Coumadin); digoxin (Lanoxin); ketoconazole (Nizoral); or drugs that can cause drowsiness such as other pain medications, muscle relaxants, and herbal products. This list is not complete and there may be other medications that can interact with tramadol. Tell your veterinarian about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you give your pet. This includes vitamins, minerals and herbal products.