Ultram

Ultram, also known as tramadol, is a synthetic opioid analgesic medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is a unique pain medication that works differently from traditional opioids, offering a potentially safer alternative for some patients. This document provides a detailed overview of Ultram, including its mechanism of action, indications, dosage, side effects, and more, to help you better understand this prescription pain medication.

Indications and Uses

Ultram is primarily indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe acute pain, such as that associated with surgery, injury, or certain chronic pain conditions. It is approved for the treatment of both nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Some common conditions in which Ultram may be prescribed include:

• Acute post-operative pain
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain (e.g., osteoarthritis, low back pain)
• Neuropathic pain (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia)
• Cancer-related pain

Dosage and Administration

Ultram is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, with the recommended starting dose depending on the specific formulation and the patient's pain severity. For the immediate-release tablets, the typical adult starting dose is 50-100 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 400 mg.

The extended-release tablets are typically dosed once daily, with a starting dose of 100 mg and a maximum daily dose of 300 mg. Patients should be monitored closely, and the dose should be titrated gradually to achieve the desired pain relief while minimizing side effects.