Tramadol: Uses, Side Effects, Dosing, and Safety
Tramadol is a prescription opioid pain medicine used for moderate to severe pain when other treatments are not enough. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms and can cause serious breathing, dependency, and medication-interaction risks.
Tramadol can relieve pain, but it may cause drowsiness, slowed breathing, dependence, and dangerous interactions. Take it only as prescribed and check with a doctor or pharmacist before making changes.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02AX02
- Generic
- Tramadol
- Class
- opioid
- Brands
- Ultram
- Availability
- controlled
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 7
- Onset (min)
- 30
- Duration (h)
- 6
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- dependence, seizure-risk, serotonin-syndrome
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 50mg every 4-6 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4-6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1-2mg/kg every 6 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg every 6 hours as needed
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near delivery due to risk of neonatal respiratory depression
fetal monitoring, watch for uterine contractions
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not use during breastfeeding; switch to alternative pain relief
monitor infant for sedation, respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%, increase slowly
start at lowest effective dose, monitor for sedation and respiratory depression
regular assessment of pain, sedation, respiratory status, renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
under 12 yearsnot recommended
do not use in children under 12 years of age
N/A
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 18use with extreme caution
contraindicated after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy; monitor for respiratory depression
close monitoring for respiratory depression
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose, extend dosing interval
reduce dose to 50mg every 12 hours in severe impairment; avoid in ESRD
monitor renal function, adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentreduce dose significantly
avoid use in severe hepatic impairment; if used, reduce dose by 50%
monitor liver function tests, assess for sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Tramadol FDA approval date
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic properties
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy