Tramadol for pain – Medicines For Children
Why is it important for my child to take Tramadol?
What is Tramadol available as?
When should I give Tramadol
How should I give Tramadol?
Can other medicines be given at the same time as Tramadol?
Brand names: Zamadol, Zydol
Modified release tablets and capsules: Larapam SR, Mabron, Marol, Maxitram SR, Tradorec XL, Tramquel SR, Zamadol SR, Zamadol 24hr, Zeridame SR, Zydol SR, Zydol XL
This leaflet is about the use of tramadol to reduce mild or moderate pain.
It is important to give tramadol, as advised by your doctor, to control your child’s pain.
Soluble tablets: 50 mg
Orodispersible tablets: 50 mg; these contain aspartame
Modified release tablets and capsules: 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg
The following advice does not apply to modified release capsules and tablets:
If your child needs help with pain during the day and night for several days, give a dose of tramadol every 6 hours to help stop the pain from coming back.
If your child has pain that comes and goes, give a dose of tramadol when they first complain of pain. Wait at least 4 hours before giving another dose.
You must not give your child more than four doses of tramadol in 24 hours.
Modified release tablets and capsules
If your child has pain all the time, your doctor may prescribe modified-release capsules. These are given once or twice each day. Your doctor will tell you how often to give the medicine.
Your doctor will work out the amount of Tramadol (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label.
Make sure your hands are dry. Take the tablet out of the blister pack and put it on your child’s tongue. The tablet will dissolve as your child sucks it and they should swallow it all. You can also dissolve it in a glass of water. Your child should drink it all straight away.
Your child should start to feel less pain within half an hour of being given this medicine. If you are worried about whether it is helping, contact your doctor.
If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of tramadol, you should try to give alternative pain relief until the next normal dose of tramadol is due. This is to prevent the side-effects of a large dose of tramadol, such as nausea and drowsiness.
If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of tramadol, you do not need to give them another dose or any other pain relief. Wait until the next normal dose.
If your child is in pain, give the missed dose as soon as you remember. You must then wait at least 4 hours before giving any more.
If you usually give it once a day: Give the missed dose when you remember during the day, as long as this is at least 10 hours before the next dose is due. You do not need to wake up a sleeping child to give a missed dose.
Never give a double dose of Tramadol.
If you think you may have given your child too much Tramadol, contact your doctor or local NHS services (details at end of leaflet) or take your child to hospital. Have the medicine container or packaging with you, even if it is empty. This will be useful to the doctor.
It can be dangerous to give too much Tramadol.
If your child has an irregular or fast heartbeat (they may say their heart feels fluttery or is racing), or their breathing becomes irregular, contact your doctor or take your child to hospital straight away.
Tramadol should not be taken with some medicines that you get on prescription. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medicines your child is taking before giving Tramadol. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.
If your doctor has prescribed a dose of tramadol that is under 50 mg, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions about how to give the dose. If you need any further advice, please contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will be able to give you more information about Tramadol and about other medicines used to treat pain.
mychildisinpain.org.uk/	