Name: Tramadol (Ultram)
Class: Opioid (Synthetic-Analgesic)
Mech: Low affinity binding of tramadol to mu-opioid receptors and higher affinity binding of the M1 Metabolismolite. Opioid effects only partially antagonized by naloxone. Also inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Absorption:
Metabolism:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Sim. to opioids—dizziness, somnolence, nausea, constipation, sweating, & pruritus. Unlike opioids, significantly less respiratory depression, no histamine release. At therapeutic doses, no effect on heart rate, left-ventricular function, or cardiac index. Some orthostatic hypotension. Seizures. Use w/caution w/CNS depressants, MAO inhibitors. May trigger opioid w/drawal symptoms.
Utility: Analgesia.
Special Features: Inhib. reuptake of NE and 5HT.