Tramadol Tablets (Generic)

What is Tramadol?
Tramadol is a prescription pain reliever that helps relieve moderate to severe post-surgery pain, or the pain associated with chronic conditions like cancer or arthritis. It can also be used as a cough suppressant.

Who is it for?
Tramadol is most commonly used in dogs, and may be used in cats.

What are the benefits?

Tramadol is a pet pain relief medication in convenient tablet form. It helps relieve moderate to moderately severe pain caused by surgery, by chronic conditions like cancer and degenerative joint disease (arthritis), or by joint injury. In some cases, it may be an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or may be used in conjunction with them. Tramadol works differently than NSAIDs do, and therefore may be an alternative for dogs unable to tolerate NSAIDs. It may also be used as a cough suppressant.

How does Tramadol work?
Tramadol works by decreasing the brain's perception and response to pain. It also reduces the size or magnitude of the pain signal passed from one nerve to another.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Tramadol is the common drug name for the brand name Ultram, and several generic drugs are available.

How is it given?
Tramadol tablets are given orally, with or without food. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. If using the medication long-term (over several weeks), do not abruptly stop giving it unless under the direction of your veterinarian.

What results can I expect?
Tramadol will not cure a disease, but will help decrease the pain associated with it. The effects of Tramadol can generally be seen within hours of the animal taking the medication. It is generally not long-acting, so is often given multiple times daily.

What form(s) does it come in?
Tramadol comes in an oral tablet form.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Pronunciation
TRAM-ah-doll

Brand Name
Ultram

Common Drug Name
Tramadol

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Tramadol?
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has ever had seizures, liver or kidney disease, may be pregnant, is nursing, or if you intend to breed your dog.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your dog is taking, and also if your dog has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Tramadol is not a cure for a disease, but helps relieve pain associated with the disease. Tramadol may cause sedation.

Who should not take it?
Tramadol should only be used in the animal for which it was prescribed. Tramadol is not for use in pregnant or lactating animals or animals hypersensitive (allergic) to tramadol, codeine, or other narcotic drugs. It is not recommended for animals with head injuries or histories of seizures. Use with caution in animals with severe kidney or liver disease.

What side effects may be seen when taking Tramadol?
Side effects of tramadol may include sedation. Rarely, you may see a loss of appetite or vomiting. In cats, you may see dilated pupils or disorientation. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the above side effects.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light resistant, childproof container.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
With an overdose, you may see seizures or slowed breathing. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Tramadol?
Consult your veterinarian before using tramadol with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), or tricyclic medications such as clomipramine (Clomicalm), since interactions may occur. Do not use with ephedrine or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline (Deprenyl, Anipryl) or amitraz (an ingredient in some tick collars, and in Mitaban, a treatment for mange). Consult your veterinarian before using other medications or tick collars along with Tramadol.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.