Tramadol for Dogs and Cats
Contents
General Drug Information and Indications
How to Give this Medication
Side Effects
Precautions
Drug Interactions
Overdose
Storage
Search for Available Dosage Forms
Tramadol is a synthetic narcotic painkiller. The name of the licensed human drug is “Ultram” Tramadol is used in human medicine for osteoarthritis pain and is gaining acceptance in veterinary medicine to treat mild to moderate pain in dogs and cats. In addition to its painkilling properties, tramadol may have some mild anti-anxiety effects.
Tramadol is used at the time of surgery to manage acute pain and for long-term management of chronic pain. Frequently it can provide satisfactory pain relief with less sedation or fewer of the undesirable side effects found with other narcotic pain killers. Tramadol may be used with other pain relieving drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Like many other drugs in veterinary medicine, this drug is not FDA approved for use in animals and is not available from a veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturer. Instead, it is compounded by a specialty pharmacy.
Give this medication to your pet exactly as your veterinarian prescribes. If you miss giving your pet a dose of tramadol, give the next dose as soon as you remember or, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, return to the regular schedule. Do not double dose to catch up.
Tramadol can be given by mouth with or without food.
Wash your hands after giving your pet this medication.
Be sure to discuss any side effects with your veterinarian immediately.
Tramadol is generally well tolerated in dogs and cats, although the incidence of side effects may be higher in cats.
Potential side effects could include sedation, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting and constipation. Cats may also show dilated pupils and mood changes.
Keep this and all drugs out of reach of children. Tramadol is a prescription drug and should be used according to your veterinarian’s directions. It should only be given to the animal for which it was prescribed. Do not give this medication to a person.
Tramadol should not be used in animals that are allergic to other narcotic drugs.
If your pet has been receiving tramadol on a chronic (long-term) basis, check with your veterinarian about slowly tapering the dose to avoid the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Tramadol has been shown to lower the seizure threshold in humans. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has a history of epilepsy or seizures
Tramadol should be used with caution or at a lower dosage in pets that are older, very sick, or have liver or kidney disease.
Be sure to review with your veterinarian any medications or supplements your pet may be receiving.
Tramadol should be used cautiously with other drugs that depress the central nervous or respiratory system.
Tramadol should be avoided or used with caution in pets that are also prescribed drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI), tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) or SAMe. All of these drugs increase the levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. Excess serotonin can cause very serious metabolic disturbances called “serotonin syndrome.” Be sure to tell you veterinarian if your pet is taking any of the above drugs.
Tramadol may also interact with these drugs: digoxin, quinidine, and warfarin.
If you suspect your pet or another animal was overdosed accidentally or has eaten this medication inadvertently, contact your veterinarian or the A.S.P.C.A.’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435. Always bring the prescription container with you when you take your pet for treatment.
If you or someone else has accidentally ingested this medication call the National Capital Poison Center at 800.222.1222.
Different strengths or dosage forms of tramadol may have different storage requirements. Read the labeling or ask your pharmacist for the storage requirements of the prescription you receive.
About the Author
Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.
She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.
Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.
You can purchase books by Dr. Forney at www.exclusivelyequine.com