Tramal Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Tramal Capsule contains tramadol hydrochloride, an opioid painkiller used to treat moderate to severe pain. It acts on the central nervous system by working on specific nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain to relieve pain. It is taken orally as hard gelatin capsules and should be used exactly as directed by a doctor, as it carries risks of dependence, addiction, and serious side effects.

What is Tramal Capsule

Tramal Capsule is a painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. It acts on the central nervous system to relieve pain by acting on specific nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain.

Tramal Capsule uses

• Treatment of moderate to severe pain

Benefits of Tramal Capsule

• Relieves moderate to severe pain

How Tramal Capsule works

Tramadol works on the central nervous system. It relieves pain by acting on specific nerve cells of the spinal cord and brain.

Tramal Capsule dosage

Tramal Capsules are for oral use. Always swallow Tramal Capsules whole, not divided or chewed, with sufficient liquid, preferably in the morning and evening. You may take the capsule on an empty stomach or with meals, as food does not influence the effect of Tramal Capsules.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. If you want to stop, consult your physician first, who will usually explain how to reduce the dose gradually. Do not drink alcohol during treatment as its effect may be intensified.

Available forms and strengths

• Hard gelatin capsules

Side effects of Tramal Capsule

Common

• Dizziness
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Sweating

Serious

• Allergic reactions such as swollen face, tongue and/or throat, difficulty swallowing or hives with breathing difficulties
• Shock (sudden circulation failure)
• Slow heartbeat
• Epileptic fits
• Slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath
• Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, muscle rigidity, lack of coordination)
• Hallucinations, confusion, delirium
• Adrenal insufficiency (low cortisol levels)
• Dependence and addiction

Warnings and precautions

• Opioids may cause addiction, especially with prolonged use, and have potential for abuse and overdose. An overdose can result in slow breathing and even death.
• Do not take the medicine if you are allergic to tramadol, in acute poisoning with alcohol, sleeping pills, pain relievers or other psychotropic medicines, if you are taking MAO inhibitors or have taken them in the last 14 days, if you are epileptic and your fits are not adequately controlled, or as a substitute in drug withdrawal.
• Taking this medicine regularly, particularly for a long time, can lead to addiction. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly, as you are more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Your physician will discuss how to gradually reduce your dose.
• Using Tramal together with tranquillizers or sleeping pills (such as benzodiazepines) increases the risk of drowsiness, breathing difficulties, coma and may be life-threatening.
• Do not give your medicine to anyone else. Opioids should only be used by those they are prescribed for. Overuse and misuse can lead to overdose and/or death.
• Do not exceed 400 mg tramadol hydrochloride daily unless instructed by your physician, as the risk of seizures increases with higher doses.
• Do not take Tramal if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, unless you have discussed this with your physician and the benefits outweigh the risk to the baby. If taken during pregnancy, your baby may become dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms after birth which may need treatment.
• Do not take Tramal while you are breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
• Patients with severe kidney insufficiency should not take Tramal Capsules. If your insufficiency is mild or moderate, your physician may recommend prolonging the dosage interval. Talk to your physician if you suffer from kidney disease.
• Patients with severe liver insufficiency should not take Tramal Capsules. If your insufficiency is mild or moderate, your physician may recommend prolonging the dosage interval. Talk to your physician if you suffer from liver disease.
• Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Tramal Capsules as its effect may be intensified. Do not take the medicine in acute poisoning with alcohol.
• Tramal Capsules may cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Do not drive while taking this medicine until you know how it affects you. If your reactions are affected, do not drive or operate machinery.

Storage

• Store at a temperature below 30 °C.
• Keep this medicine and any other medicine in a closed place out of the sight and reach of children and infants to avoid poisoning.
• Do not use the medicine after the expiry date appearing on the package.

When to see a doctor

• See a physician immediately if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swollen face, tongue and/or throat, difficulty swallowing, or hives together with difficulties in breathing.
• Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical advice if you notice slow or shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness, small pupils, feeling or being sick, constipation, or lack of appetite.
• Seek medical advice immediately if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which can include agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, muscle rigidity and lack of coordination.
• If you or someone else swallows a lot of Tramal Capsules at the same time, go to hospital or call a physician straight away. Signs of overdose include very small pupils, being sick, fall in blood pressure, fast heartbeat, collapse, unconsciousness, fits and breathing difficulties.
• Contact your doctor if you experience extreme fatigue, lack of appetite, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or low blood pressure, as this may indicate adrenal insufficiency.

Alternatives

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Diclofenac
• Codeine
• Tapentadol
• Morphine