3850 Grand View Blvd. - Los Angeles, CA 90066 - Phone:(310) 391-6741 - Fax:(310) 391-6744 - Email: MarVistaAMC@gmail.com
(310)391-6741
marvistavet.com
TRAMADOL (for veterinary information only)
BRAND NAME: ULTRAM
AVAILABLE IN
BACKGROUND: The search for the relief of pain has existed for centuries if not millennia. It has long been known that the opiates are able to produce excellent analgesia as well as feelings of euphoria. Unfortunately, they are also habit forming, cause respiratory depression, sedation, and hallucinations. As science has progressed and understanding of pain perception has improved, opiates have been modified in many ways to decrease their negative side effects. Tramadol represents an extension of these efforts. In order to understand how it might work in a pet, let us begin with how it works in humans.
HOW THIS MEDICATION IS USED:
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects are considered rare but we list the following for completeness:
If a pet develops apparent sedation or bizarre behavior, the tramadol dose should be reduced.
INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS: The beauty of tramadol as a pain reliever is that it is compatible with all the COX -inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, possibly even synergizing with them. The same is true with tramadol combined with gabapentin and amantidine. It is also compatible with joint pain nutriceuticals such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin sulfate etc. Tramadol is NOT compatible with selegiline. Animals taking selegiline either to control Cushing’s Syndrome or to control senility may not take any sort of narcotic medication including tramadol. Similarly, tramadol is not compatible with other psychoactive drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. If you are not sure if your pet is on one of these medications, check with your veterinarian. Tramadol may not be compatible with SAMe, a liver and joint support nutriceutical. Until further studies are performed, these two treatments should not be used together. Tramadol can induce sedation when combined with amitraz, the active ingredient in many tick control products. Concurrent use of tramadol and cyproheptadine, an appetite stimulant, can reduce the effect of the tramadol. Sedation side effects are made worse with concurrent use of antihistamines. Potential for respiratory depression is worse in conjunction with benzodiazepine antianxiety drugs. General potential for tramadol toxicity is increased with concurrent use of cimetidine (an antacid), erythromycin (an antibiotic), metoclopramide (an antinauseal motility modifier for the stomach).
CONCERNS AND CAUTIONS: Tramadol is removed from the body by the liver (70%) as well as via kidney excretion (30%). Should disease be present in either of these systems, a dose reduction may be necessary. A human product called “Ultracet®” is available. It contains acetaminophen in addition to tramadol. This product is NOT safe for cats at any dose and requires specific veterinary instruction if it is to be used in dogs. Never use your own medication on your pet. Tramadol can cause seizures in humans and thus should be used cautiously in animals with a history of seizures. If discontinuing tramadol after long term use, it is recommended that it be tapered off rather than abruptly discontinued. Tramadol pills must be cut into small pieces for proper doses of cats and very small dogs. The cut pills have a bad taste and may not be accepted by some pets especially long term. Short version (to help us comply with "Lizzie's Law") Page last updated: 10/27/2024 |