FDA Label for Tramadol Hcl
View Indications, Usage & Precautions
Tramadol Hcl Product Label
The following document was submitted to the FDA by the labeler of this product Advanced Rx Pharmacy Of Tennessee, Llc. The document includes published materials associated whith this product with the essential scientific information about this product as well as other prescribing information. Product labels may durg indications and usage, generic names, contraindications, active ingredients, strength dosage, routes of administration, appearance, warnings, inactive ingredients, etc.
Medication Guide Section
MEDICATION GUIDE
Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets, USP
(TRAM a dol hye” droe cklo' ride"), CIV
Tramadol hydrochloride tablets are:
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A strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid (narcotic) that is used for the management pain in adults, when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them.
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An opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death.
Important information about tramadol hydrochloride tablets:
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Get emergency help or call 911 right away if you take too much tramadol hydrochloride tablets (overdose). When you first start taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets, when your dose is changed, or if you take too much (overdose), serious or life-threatening breathing problems that can lead to death may occur. Talk to your healthcare provider about naloxone, a medicine for the emergency treatment of an opioid overdose.
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Taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets with other opioid medicines, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other central nervous system depressants (including street drugs) can cause severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma, and death.
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Never give anyone else your tramadol hydrochloride tablets. They could die from taking it. Selling or giving away tramadol hydrochloride tablets are against the law.
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Store tramadol hydrochloride tablets securely, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to the home.
Important information guiding use in pediatric patients:
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Do not give tramadol hydrochloride tablets to a child younger than 12 years of age.
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Do not give tramadol hydrochloride tablets to a child younger than 18 years of age after surgery to remove the tonsils and/or adenoids.
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Avoid giving tramadol hydrochloride tablets to children between 12 to 18 years of age who have risk factors for breathing problems such as obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, or underlying lung problems.
Do not take tramadol hydrochloride tablets if you have:
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Severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems.
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A bowel blockage or have narrowing of the stomach or intestines.
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An allergy to tramadol.
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Taken a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, MAOI, (medicine used for depression) within the last 14 days.
Before taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of:
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head injury, seizures
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liver, kidney, thyroid problems
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problems urinating
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pancreas or gallbladder problems
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abuse of street or prescription drugs, alcohol addiction, opioid overdose, or mental health problems.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are:
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pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Prolonged use of tramadol hydrochloride tablets during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in your newborn baby that could be life-threatening if not recognized and treated.
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breastfeeding. Not recommended; it may harm your baby.
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living in a household where there are small children or someone who has abused street or prescription drugs.
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taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets with certain other medicines can cause serious side effects that could lead to death.
When taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets:
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Do not change your dose. Take tramadol hydrochloride tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed.
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Take your prescribed dose as indicated by your healthcare provider. The maximum dosage is 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, as needed for pain relief. Do not take more than your prescribed dose and do not take more than 8 tablets per day. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at your usual time.
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Call your healthcare provider if the dose you are taking does not control your pain.
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If you have been taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets regularly, do not stop taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets without talking to your healthcare provider.
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Dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused tramadol hydrochloride tablets by taking your drug to an authorized Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- registered collector or drug take-back program. If one is not available, you can dispose of tramadol hydrochloride tablets by mixing the product with dirt, cat litter, or coffee grounds; placing the mixture in a sealed plastic bag, and throwing the bag in your trash.
While taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets DO NOT:
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Drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how tramadol hydrochloride tablets affect you. Tramadol hydrochloride tablets can make you sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
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Drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol. Using products containing alcohol during treatment with tramadol hydrochloride tablets may cause you to overdose and die.
The possible side effects of tramadol hydrochloride tablets:
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constipation, nausea, sleepiness, vomiting, tiredness, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms and they are severe.
Get emergency medical help or call 911 right away if you have:
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trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, extreme drowsiness, light-headedness when changing positions, feeling faint, agitation, high body temperature, trouble walking, stiff muscles, or mental changes such as confusion.
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These are not all the possible side effects of tramadol hydrochloride tablets. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. For more information go to dailymed.nlm.nih.gov.
www.sunpharma.com or call 1-800-818-4555
Distributed By:
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc.
Cranbury, NJ 08512
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Rev. 03/2021
PGPI0345F
Overdosage Section
10 OVERDOSAGE
Clinical Presentation
Acute overdosage with tramadol hydrochloride tablets can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, QT prolongation, hypotension, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, seizures, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations.
Deaths due to overdose have been reported with abuse and misuse of tramadol [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1); DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE (9.2)]. Review of case reports has indicated that the risk of fatal overdose is further increased when tramadol is abused concurrently with alcohol or other CNS depressants, including other opioids.
Treatment of Overdose
In case of overdose, priorities are the re-establishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or serious arrhythmias will require advanced life-supporting measures.
Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to opioid overdose, administer an opioid antagonist.
While naloxone will reverse some, but not all, symptoms caused by overdosage with tramadol, the risk of seizures is also increased with naloxone administration. In animals, convulsions following the administration of toxic doses of tramadol hydrochloride tablets could be suppressed with barbiturates or benzodiazepines but were increased with naloxone. Naloxone administration did not change the lethality of an overdose in mice. Hemodialysis is not expected to be helpful in an overdose because it removes less than 7% of the administered dose in a 4-hour dialysis period.
Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of tramadol in tramadol hydrochloride tablets, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably re-established. If the response to an opioid antagonist is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional antagonist as directed by the product's prescribing information.
In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the antagonist will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the antagonist administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the antagonist should be begun with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the antagonist.
Contraindications Section
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Tramadol hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated for:
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all children younger than 12 years of age [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)].
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post-operative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)].
Tramadol hydrochloride tablets are also contraindicated in patients with:
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Significant respiratory depression [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)].
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Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.12)].
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Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.15)].
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Hypersensitivity to tramadol, any other component of this product or opioids [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.16)].
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Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within the last 14 days [SEE DRUG INTERACTIONS (7)].
Dosage And Administration Section
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions
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Do not use tramadol hydrochloride tablets concomitantly with other tramadol-containing products.
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Do not administer tramadol hydrochloride tablets at a dose exceeding 400 mg per day.
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Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
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Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient's severity of pain, patient response, prior analgesic treatment experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)].
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Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy and following dosage increases with tramadol hydrochloride tablets and adjust the dosage accordingly [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)].
2.2 Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose
Discuss the availability of naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose with the patient and caregiver and assess the potential need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with tramadol hydrochloride tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Patient Counseling Information (17)].
Inform patients and caregivers about the various ways to obtain naloxone as permitted by individual state naloxone dispensing and prescribing requirements or guidelines (e.g., by prescription, directly from a pharmacist, or as part of a community-based program).
Consider prescribing naloxone, based on the patient's risk factors for overdose, such as concomitant use of CNS depressants, a history of opioid use disorder, or prior opioid overdose. However, the presence of risk factors for overdose should not prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.3, 5.7)].
Consider prescribing naloxone if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental exposure or overdose.
2.3 Initial Dosage
Initiating Treatment with Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets
For patients not requiring rapid onset of analgesic effect, the tolerability of tramadol hydrochloride tablets can be improved by initiating therapy with the following titration regimen: The total daily dose may be increased by 50 mg as tolerated every 3 days to reach 200 mg/day (50 mg four times a day). After titration, tramadol hydrochloride tablets 50 to 100 mg can be administered as needed for pain relief every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 400 mg/day.
For the subset of patients for whom rapid onset of analgesic effect is required and for whom the benefits outweigh the risk of discontinuation due to adverse events associated with higher initial doses, tramadol hydrochloride tablets 50 mg to 100 mg can be administered as needed for pain relief every four to six hours, not to exceed 400 mg per day.
Conversion from Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets to Extended-Release Tramadol
The relative bioavailability of tramadol hydrochloride tablets compared to extended-release tramadol is unknown, so conversion to extended-release formulations must be accompanied by close observation for signs of excessive sedation and respiratory depression.
Dosage Modification in Patients with Hepatic Impairment
The recommended dose for adult patients with severe hepatic impairment is 50 mg every 12 hours.
Dosage Modification in Patients with Renal Impairment
In all patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min, it is recommended that the dosing interval of tramadol hydrochloride tablets be increased to 12 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 200 mg. Since only 7% of an administered dose is removed by hemodialysis, dialysis patients can receive their regular dose on the day of dialysis.
Dosage Modification in Geriatric Patients
Do not exceed a total dose of 300 mg/day in patients over 75 years old.
2.4 Titration and Maintenance of Therapy
Individually titrate tramadol hydrochloride tablets to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving tramadol hydrochloride tablets to assess the maintenance of pain control and the relative incidence of adverse reactions, as well as to monitor for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)]. Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesic requirements, including initial titration.
If the level of pain increases after dosage stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the tramadol hydrochloride tablets dosage. If unacceptable opioid-related adverse reactions are observed, consider reducing the dosage. Adjust the dosage to obtain an appropriate balance between management of pain and opioid-related adverse reactions.
2.5 Safe Reduction or Discontinuation of Tramadol Hydrochloride Tablets
Do not abruptly discontinue tramadol hydrochloride tablets in patients who may be physically dependent on opioids. Rapid discontinuation of opioid analgesics in patients who are physically dependent on opioids has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. Rapid discontinuation has also been associated with attempts to find other sources of opioid analgesics, which may be confused with drug-seeking for abuse. Patients may also attempt to treat their pain or withdrawal symptoms with illicit opioids, such as heroin, and other substances.
When a decision has been made to decrease the dose or discontinue therapy in an opioid-dependent patient taking tramadol hydrochloride tablets, there are a variety of factors that should be considered, including the dose of tramadol hydrochloride tablets the patient has been taking, the duration of treatment, the type of pain being treated, and the physical and psychological attributes of the patient. It is important to ensure ongoing care of the patient and to agree on an appropriate tapering schedule and follow-up plan so that patient and provider goals and expectations are clear and realistic. When opioid analgesics are being discontinued due to a suspected substance use disorder, evaluate and treat the patient, or refer for evaluation and treatment of the substance use disorder. Treatment should include evidence-based approaches, such as medication assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. Complex patients with comorbid pain and substance use disorders may benefit from referral to a specialist.
There are no standard opioid tapering schedules that are suitable for all patients. Good clinical practice dictates a patient-specific plan to taper the dose of the opioid gradually. For patients on tramadol hydrochloride tablets who are physically opioid-dependent, initiate the taper by a small enough increment, (e.g., no greater than 10% to 25% of the total daily dose) to avoid withdrawal symptoms, and proceed with dose-lowering at an interval of every 2 to 4 weeks. Patients who have been taking opioids for briefer periods of time may tolerate a more rapid taper.
It may be necessary to provide the patient with a lower dosage strength to accomplish a successful taper. Reassess the patient frequently to manage pain and withdrawal symptoms, should they emerge. Common withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other signs and symptoms also may develop, including irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. If withdrawal symptoms arise, it may be necessary to pause the taper for a period of time or raise the dose of the opioid analgesic to the previous dose, and then proceed with a slower taper. In addition, monitor patients for any changes in mood, emergence of suicidal thoughts, or use of other substances.
When managing patients taking opioid analgesics, particularly those who have been treated for a long duration and/or with high doses for chronic pain, ensure that a multimodal approach to pain management, including mental health support (if needed), is in place prior to initiating an opioid analgesic taper. A multimodal approach to pain management may optimize the treatment of chronic pain, as well as assist with the successful tapering of the opioid analgesic [SEE WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.17),DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE (9.3)].
Indications And Usage Section
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Tramadol hydrochloride tablets are indicated in adults for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.
Limitations of Use
Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)], reserve tramadol hydrochloride tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:
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Have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated.
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Have not provided adequate analgesia or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia.
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