Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This is especially important for elderly patients, who may be more sensitive to the effects of pain medicines. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or cause an overdose.
It is very important that you understand the rules of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to prevent addiction, abuse, and misuse of tramadol. This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Read it again each time you refill your prescription in case there is new information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
If you think that this medicine is not working as well after you have been taking it for a few weeks, do not increase the dose. Instead, check with your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release capsule, extended-release tablet, and tablet whole with liquids. Do not break, crush, chew, snort, or inject it.
Measure the oral liquid with the marked dosing syringe that comes with the package. Your dose needs to be measured and given accurately to avoid an overdose.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For chronic pain:
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
- Children 12 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Children younger than 12 years of age—Should not be used in these patients.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
- For moderate to severe pain:
- For oral dosage form (solution):
- Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
- Children younger than 12 years of age—Should not be used in these patients.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) per day, taken every morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 400 mg per day.
- Older adults over 75 years of age—At first, 25 mg per day, taken every morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg per day.
- Children 12 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- Children younger than 12 years of age—Should not be used in these patients.
- For oral dosage form (solution):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm
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- Before Using
- Precautions
Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024
Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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