Consumer medicine information

Durotram XR Once daily sustained release tablets

Tramadol hydrochloride

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Durotram XR Once daily sustained release tablets

Active ingredient

Tramadol hydrochloride

Schedule

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Durotram XR. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking this medicine against the benefits they expect it will provide.

If you have any concerns about this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What Durotram XR is used for

Durotram XR is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the group of medicines called analgesics (pain relievers).

Durotram XR has been specially designed to release the pain reliever gradually over a 24-hour period, so that you need to only take one dose per day.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.

When used as prescribed by your doctor, addiction to Durotram XR is very unlikely.

If you are taking Durotram XR for a prolonged period of time, your body may become used to the medicine and mild withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking the medicine.

It is important, therefore, to take Durotram XR only as directed by your doctor.

Durotram XR is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Durotram XR is not recommended for the elderly (over 75 years) or children under the age of 18 years.

Before you take Durotram XR

When you must not take it

Do not take Durotram XR:

if you have ever had an allergic reaction to tramadol (the active ingredient) or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet;
If you have an allergic reaction you may get a skin rash, have difficulty in breathing, get symptoms of hayfever or feel faint;
if you have an allergy to any other medicines known as opioid analgesics (e.g. morphine or codeine);
if you have taken large amounts of alcohol or other substances which can affect your level of consciousness;
if you are taking medicine for depression containing a monoamine oxidase inhibitor also known as MAOI, or have taken any oxidase inhibitor within the past two weeks. Examples of MAOI-containing medicines are phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate);
if you are undergoing treatment for withdrawal from narcotics
if you are taking an antibacterial agent called linezolid (Zyvox);
if you have seizures (convulsions) or have a condition that may put you at increased risk of seizures (epilepsy, head injury, metabolic disorders, alcohol or drug withdrawal);
if you are breast-feeding and need to take Durotram XR for more than 2 to 3 days;
if you have severe liver and kidney problems;

Durotram XR should not be used for minor pain that can be relieved by readily available (over the counter) painkillers.

Do not take this medicine after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

Before you start to take it

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.

Your doctor will want to know if you are prone to allergies.

Tell your doctor

if you have lung or breathing problems;
if you are known to be sensitive to opioids;
if you have any disorder of the kidney, liver or pancreas, including any related to alcohol intake, for example, cirrhosis of the liver;
if you have stomach problem;
if you have a severe headache or have had a head injury;
if you have, or have had, any drug or alcohol dependence;
if you have had any fits or convulsions, or take medicine for epilepsy;
if you are taking medicines for depression, or mental or psychiatric disorder or to help you sleep;
if you are taking medication known as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, quinidine, phenothiazines or anti psychotics;
if you are taking the medicine carbamazepine (one brand name is Tegretol).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits involved.

If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start taking Durotram XR.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and Durotram XR may interfere with each other.

These include:

carbamazepine ;
coumarin derivatives (e.g. warfarin, some brand names are Coumadin, or Marevan);
medicine for irregular or rapid heart beat;
medicines for depression, sleeplessness or mental conditions such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic anti-depressants, quinidine, phenothiazines or anti-psychotics;
some antibiotics.

These medicines may be affected by Durotram XR, or may affect how well it works.

You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines. Other interactions not listed above may also occur.

Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.

How to take Durotram XR

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.

These instructions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take

Durotram XR should be taken once daily, at approximately the same time every day.

How to take it

Durotram XR tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

It does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food.

The tablet must be swallowed whole and NOT be broken, chewed, crushed or dissolved because this might release the active ingredient more quickly and cause unpleasant side-effects.

When to take it

Durotram XR should be taken once daily, at approximately the same time every day.

Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.

How long to take it

Continue taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

Your doctor will check your progress to make sure the medicine is working and will discuss with you how long your treatment should continue.

Do not stop taking Durotram XR unless your doctor tells you to.

Tell your doctor if your pain is not helped or gets worse.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor, Poisons Information Centre (telephone number: 13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have accidentally taken too much Durotram XR.

Overdosage with Durotram XR will result in decrease in breathing and fits or convulsions.

While you are taking Durotram XR

Things you must do

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Durotram XR

Tell any other doctors, dentists, or pharmacists who treats you that you are taking this medicine.

If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine.

It may affect other medicines used during surgery.

If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked.

Things you must not do

Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their condition seems similar to yours.

Do not use it to treat any other conditions unless your doctor tells you to.

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving, operating machinery or doing jobs that require you to be alert until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Durotram XR.

All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

Do not be alarmed by these lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

The most common side effects of Durotram XR include:

nausea, vomiting;
constipation;
headache;
dizziness;
sedation, fatigue;
sweating;
dry mouth.

The less common side effects of Durotram XR include:

indigestion;
changes in appetite;
skin reactions;
sudden onset of low blood pressure, collapse;
muscle weakness;
tremor;
seizures;
respiratory depression;
improvement of mood;
confusion;
sleep disturbances;
blurred vision;
difficulty in passing urine;
Serotonin Syndrome: signs of this vary and are not specific; they may include fever, sweating, confusion; agitation; diarrhoea; muscle twitching, difficulty with walking and balance. Serotonin syndrome may result from interaction of tramadol with other medicines which increase serotonin effects, for example, SSRI antidepressants.

If any of the following happen, tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, as urgent medical treatment may be needed:

skin rash (red spots or patches), itching hives, skin lumps
swelling or puffiness of the eyelids, face or lips;
chest tightness, wheezing or pain in the chest;
heart palpitations, faintness or collapse;
hallucinations;
convulsions.

The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are rare.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people. You should remember that all medicines carry some risks. It is possible that some risks might not be detected despite many years of experience with the medicine.

After using Durotram XR

Storage

Keep your medicine in the original container until it is time to take it.

If you take the tablets out of the pack, they may not keep well.

Keep your tablets away from direct sunlight in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.

Do not store Durotram XR or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.

Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep the medicine in a safe place where children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop taking this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any tablets you have left over.

Product description

What it looks like

Durotram XR is available as 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg tablets. They are white to off-white, plain, bevelled edge, round biconvex tablets.

All strengths of Durotram XR tablets are available in cartons containing 10 tablets. Physicians' sample packs containing 3 tablets are available for Durotram XR 100 mg and 200 mg.

Ingredients

Durotram XR tablets contain 100 mg, 200 mg or 300 mg of tramadol hydrochloride as the active ingredient.

They also contain:

polyvinyl acetate;
hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate;
povidone;
sodium lauryl sulfate;
xanthan gum;
vegetable oil hydrogenated;
silica colloidal anhydrous;
magnesium stearate.

Durotram XR does not contain gluten, tartrazine or any other azo dyes.

Sponsor

iNova Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Limited
ABN: 13 617 871 539
Level 10, 12 Help Street
Chatswood, NSW 2067
Australia
Phone: 1800 630 056

® = Registered Trademark

Durotram XR is a trademark licensed to iNova Pharmaceuticals (Australia) Pty Limited.

Australian Registration Number:

100 mg tablet AUST R 134773

200 mg tablet AUST R 134822

300 mg tablet AUST R 134823

This leaflet was prepared in June 2008 and updated in December 2017.

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

Durotram XR Once daily sustained release tablets

Active ingredient

Tramadol hydrochloride

Schedule

1 Name of Medicine

Tramadol hydrochloride.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Chemical name: (±)-cis-2- [(dimethylamino)methyl]-1- (3-methoxyphenyl) cyclohexanol hydrochloride or (1RS, 2RS)- 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-1 -(3-methoxyphenyl) cyclohexanol hydrochloride. Molecular formula: C₁₆H₂₅NO₂.HCl. Molecular weight: 299.84.

Chemical structure.

CAS number.

36282-47-0.
Tramadol hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder with a melting point approximately of 180°C. It is readily soluble in water and ethanol and has a pKa of 9.41. The water/n-octanol partition coefficient is 1.35 at pH 7.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

The active ingredient of Durotram XR is tramadol hydrochloride. Durotram XR tablets are available in strengths of 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg tramadol hydrochloride.
Durotram XR tablets contain the following excipients: Contramid (Hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (E 1442)), polyvinyl acetate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, xanthan gum, hydrogenated vegetable oil, magnesium stearate and colloidal anhydrous silica.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Durotram XR is available as 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg tablets. They are white to off-white, plain, bevelled edge round biconvex tablets.
Durotram XR tablets are composed of a dual matrix delivery system with an outer compression coat which releases tramadol hydrochloride immediately and a core containing Contramid, which controls the release of tramadol hydrochloride.

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

The analgesic activity of tramadol hydrochloride is due to both parent drug and the M1 metabolite (O-desmethyltramadol).
Tramadol is a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic. Although its mode of action is not completely understood, from animal tests, at least two complementary mechanisms appear applicable: binding of parent and M1 metabolite to mu-opioid receptors and weak inhibition of reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. Opioid activity is due to both low affinity binding of the parent compound and higher affinity binding of the O-demethylated metabolite M1 to mu-opioid receptors. In animal models, M1 is up to 6 times more potent than tramadol in producing analgesia and 200 times more potent in mu-opioid binding. Tramadol induced analgesia is only partially antagonised by the opiate antagonist naloxone in several animal tests. The relative contribution of both tramadol and M1 to human analgesia is dependent upon the plasma concentrations of each compound. (See Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).
Tramadol has been shown to inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in vitro, as have some other opioid analgesics. These mechanisms may contribute independently to the overall analgesic profile of Durotram XR.
Apart from analgesia, tramadol administration may produce a constellation of symptoms (including dizziness, somnolence, nausea, constipation, sweating and pruritus) similar to that of opioids. In contrast to morphine, tramadol has not been shown to cause histamine release. At therapeutic doses, tramadol has no effect on heart rate, left ventricular function or cardiac index. Orthostatic hypotension has been observed.

Clinical trials.

In a phase III, multicentre, randomised, double blind, double dummy, parallel design study in 431 patients with painful osteoarthritis of the knee, Durotram XR (once daily) was compared with a tramadol twice daily formulation for three months. The dose was titrated to an optimum dose (minimum effective/ maximum tolerated dose) within the permitted dose range of 100 mg to 400 mg daily. Inclusion criteria included patients of both sexes aged 40-75 years with osteoarthritis of the knee confirmed in the previous year by arthroscopy or radiology, and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of < 40 mm/hour. At baseline, patients were required to have a Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index pain subscale total score of ≥ 150 mm and ≤ 30 minutes morning stiffness with or without crepitus. The WOMAC index is a self administered, validated instrument used to assess pain, disability and joint stiffness in knee and hip osteoarthritis. The WOMAC index pain subscale total score consists of the sum of the patient's Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ratings on 5 items relating to the severity of pain. Each response varies from unbearable pain (100 mm) to no pain (0 mm), with the subscale total score being 0-500 mm. The mean ± SD baseline pain subscale total score for the Durotram XR group was 285 ± 71 and 297 ± 70 for the tramadol twice daily group.
The primary objective of the study was to show noninferiority of Durotram XR compared with tramadol twice daily on the percentage improvement in the WOMAC index pain subscale total score between baseline and day 84. The per protocol population was used as the primary analysis set to test noninferiority. The minimal clinically important difference between the two treatments was set at 15%. To conclude that Durotram XR was not inferior to tramadol twice daily with a 2.5% type I error, the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (two sided test) for the mean difference between treatments was required to be greater than -15%. The mean change from baseline to last visit in the WOMAC index pain subscale total score was 58% ± 30% for Durotram XR and 59% ± 27% for tramadol twice daily. The 95% confidence interval between the two treatments was -7.6% to 3.82%. Consequently, as the lower bound interval (-7.6%) was greater than the prespecified lower bound interval of -15%, Durotram XR was shown to be noninferior to tramadol twice daily for the treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain. The median optimum dose in the per protocol population was 200 mg daily in both treatment groups. The statistical analysis of the primary efficacy outcome in the intention to treat population produced similar results. There were a number of secondary efficacy endpoints including WOMAC stiffness and physical function subscales, patient pain rating at the end of each 24 hour dosing interval (diaries), patient global assessment of pain over 24 hours (VAS) and walking time for 15 metres. The analysis of the secondary endpoints confirmed the similarity of both treatments.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

Special populations and conditions.

Renal impairment.

Impaired renal function results in a decreased rate and extent of excretion of tramadol and its active metabolite, M1. Durotram XR has not been studied in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min) and, therefore, should not be used in these patients (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Use in Renal impairment). The total amount of tramadol and M1 removed during a 4 hour dialysis period is less than 7% of the administered dose.

Hepatic impairment.

Durotram XR is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. The elimination half-life of tramadol and its active metabolite may be prolonged in patients with hepatic impairment. Durotram XR has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and, therefore, should not be used (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Hepatic/biliary/pancreatic impairment).

Elderly.

Healthy elderly subjects aged 65 to 75 years who are administered an immediate release formulation of tramadol have plasma concentrations and elimination half-lives comparable to those observed in healthy subjects less than 65 years of age. In subjects aged over 75 years, the volume of distribution of tramadol is decreased by 25% and clearance is decreased by 40%. As a result, tramadol C_max and total exposure are increased by 30% and 50%, respectively, while the half-life is increased by 15%. The use of Durotram XR is not recommended in patients aged over 75 years (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).

Sex.

Following a 100 mg IV dose of tramadol, plasma clearance was 6.4 mL/min/kg in males and 5.7 mL/min/kg in females. This difference is not likely to be clinically significant; therefore, dosage adjustment based on sex is not recommended.

Children and adolescents (< 18 years).

Pharmacokinetics of Durotram XR tablets have not been studied in paediatric patients below 18 years of age.

Absorption.

In a single dose study, the dose adjusted bioavailability of the 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg tablets were equivalent confirming a linear pharmacokinetic response (in relation to both tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol) over this range of strengths. Dose proportionality of the 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg tablets has been demonstrated.
Following oral administration of a single dose, tramadol is almost completely absorbed and the absolute bioavailability is approximately 70%. There is no lag time in drug absorption following administration of Durotram XR. Durotram XR exhibits a plasma/ time concentration profile with a sharp initial slope similar to immediate release tramadol capsules followed by a sustained release phase. This behaviour is due to the two phases of drug release which work together to provide a smooth plasma concentration/ time profile (see Figures 1 and 2).

The mean peak steady-state plasma concentrations of tramadol and M1 after multiple dose administration of Durotram XR 200 mg tablets to healthy subjects are attained at about 4.3 hours and 7.4 hours, respectively (see Table 2).

Steady-state plasma concentrations with Durotram XR were reached within 48 hours (see Figure 3).

Food effect.

The effect of food was investigated in a single dose study in which a Durotram XR 200 mg tablet was given fasting and immediately following a high fat meal. Food had no significant effect on the area under the curve (AUC_0-∞) but increased the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of both tramadol and its metabolite by 54% and 49%, respectively. Durotram XR was administered before breakfast in the phase III efficacy and safety clinical trial (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).

Distribution.

Tramadol is rapidly distributed in the body with a volume of distribution of 2-3 L/kg in young adults. The volume of distribution is reduced by about 25% in persons aged over 75 years. The binding of tramadol to human plasma proteins is approximately 20%. Protein binding is independent of concentration up to 10 microgram/mL. Saturation of plasma protein binding occurs only at concentrations outside the clinically relevant range.

Metabolism.

Tramadol is extensively metabolised after oral administration. The major metabolic pathways appear to be N- and O-demethylation and glucuronidation or sulfation in the liver. One metabolite (O-desmethyltramadol, denoted M1) is pharmacologically active in animal models. Formation of M1 is dependent on CYP2D6. Poor CYP2D6 metabolisers may obtain reduced benefit from tramadol due to reduced formation of M1. N-demethylation is catalysed by CYP3A4. The inhibition of one or both of CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 may increase plasma concentrations of tramadol or reduce plasma concentrations of M1.

Excretion.

Tramadol and its metabolites are primarily renally excreted, with a cumulative renal excretion of approximately 95%. In young adults, approximately 15-19% of an administered dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, and in the elderly this increases to about 35%. Biliary excretion is of little importance. The total clearance of tramadol is 430-610 mL/min. After single administration of Durotram XR, the mean terminal plasma elimination half-lives of racemic tramadol and racemic M1 are 6.5 ± 1.5 and 7.5 ± 1.4 hours, respectively.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

In perinatal and postnatal studies in rats, progeny of dams receiving oral doses of tramadol (1 to 2 times the maximum clinical dose based on body surface area) had reduced weights and pup survival in early lactation. There was no offspring toxicity at lower doses, although maternotoxicity was observed at all dose levels.

Genotoxicity.

The weight of evidence from an extensive battery of genotoxicity assays indicates that tramadol does not possess a genotoxic risk to humans.

Carcinogenicity.

A slight but statistically significant increase in two common murine tumours, pulmonary and hepatic, was observed in a mouse carcinogenicity study, particularly in aged mice, at doses less than the maximum clinical dose on a body surface basis, but this finding is not believed to suggest risk in humans. No such findings occurred in a rat carcinogenicity study.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Relief of moderate to severe pain.

4.3 Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to tramadol or to any of the excipients.
Acute intoxication or overdose with psychotropic medicines, or CNS depressants (alcohol, hypnotics, other opioid analgesics).
Patients receiving concomitant treatment with MAO inhibitors or who have been treated with MAO inhibitors during the past 2 weeks.
Concomitant treatment with linezolid.
Severe renal or hepatic impairment (creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min and/or Child-Pugh class C).
Epilepsy not adequately controlled by treatment.
Tramadol must not be administered during breastfeeding if long-term treatment, i.e. more than 2 to 3 days, is necessary.
Not to be used to treat opioid withdrawal.
Known sensitivity to opioids.

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

Seizure risk.

Seizures have been reported in patients receiving tramadol hydrochloride within the recommended dosage range. Spontaneous postmarketing reports indicate that seizure risk is increased with doses above the recommended range. Concomitant use of tramadol hydrochloride increases the seizure risk in patients taking: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI antidepressants or anorectics); tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and other tricyclic compounds; or other opioids.
Administration of tramadol may enhance the seizure risk in patients taking MAO inhibitors (see Section 4.3 Contraindications), neuroleptics or other medicines that lower the seizure threshold (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Risk of convulsions may also increase in patients with epilepsy, those with a history of seizures or in patients with a recognised risk for seizure (such as head trauma, metabolic disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, CNS infections). In tramadol overdose, naloxone administration may increase the risk of seizures.
Patients with controlled epilepsy or patients with a known risk of seizure should only be treated with tramadol in cases of absolute necessity.

Use with alcohol.

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with tramadol due to the potential for additive effects on central nervous system depression.

Dependency.

Tramadol has a low potential for dependence. However, with long-term use, tolerance and psychological and/or physical dependence may develop. At therapeutic doses, withdrawal symptoms have been reported with a frequency of 1 in 8,000 while reports of dependence and abuse have been less frequent.
Because of the potential for dependence or withdrawal to occur, the clinical need for continued analgesia should be reviewed regularly in patients being treated with Durotram XR. In patients with a history of drug abuse or dependence, tramadol should only be used for short periods under strict medical surveillance.

Withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur if Durotram XR is discontinued abruptly. These symptoms may include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, rigors, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhoea, upper respiratory symptoms, piloerection and, rarely, hallucinations. Other symptoms that have been seen less frequently with tramadol discontinuation include panic attacks, severe anxiety and paraesthesias.
Clinical experience suggests that signs and symptoms of withdrawal may be avoided by tapering medication when discontinuing tramadol therapy. Patients on prolonged therapy should be withdrawn gradually from the drug if it is no longer required for pain control. Clinical experience suggests that withdrawal symptoms may be relieved by reinstitution of tramadol therapy followed by a gradual, tapered dose reduction of the medication combined with symptomatic support.
Tramadol is not suitable as a substitute opioid in opioid dependent patients. Although it is an opioid agonist, tramadol cannot suppress morphine withdrawal symptoms.

Intra-operative use.

In one study using nitrous oxide/ tramadol anaesthetic technique (with only intermittent administration of enflurane 'as required'), tramadol was reported to enhance intraoperative recall. Hence its use during potentially very light planes of general anaesthesia should be avoided.
Two recent studies of tramadol administration during anaesthesia comprising continuous administration of isoflurane did not show clinically significant lightening of anaesthetic depth or intraoperative recall. Therefore, if the current practice of administering continuous, potent (volatile or intravenous) anaesthetic agent is followed, tramadol may be used intraoperatively in the same way as other analgesic agents are routinely used.

Intracranial pressure and head trauma.

Tramadol should be used with caution in patients with head trauma or increased intracranial pressure and in patients who are in shock or in an altered state of consciousness (with no obvious cause). Pupillary changes (miosis) from tramadol may obscure the existence, extent, or course of intracranial pathology. Clinicians should also maintain a high index of suspicion for adverse drug reactions when evaluating altered mental status in these patients if they are receiving tramadol.

Anaphylactoid reactions and allergic reactions.

Serious and rarely fatal anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients receiving therapy with tramadol. When these events occur, it is often following the first dose. Other reported allergic reactions include pruritus, hives, bronchospasm, angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Patients with a history of anaphylactoid reactions to codeine and other opioids may be at increased risk and, therefore, should not receive Durotram XR.

Respiratory depression.

Administer Durotram XR cautiously in patients at risk for respiratory depression, such as patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and in patients having a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia or hypercapnia. In these patients, alternative nonopioid analgesics should be considered and opioids should be employed only under careful medical supervision at the lowest effective dose. When large doses of tramadol are administered with anaesthetic medications or alcohol, respiratory depression may result. Respiratory depression should be treated as an overdose. If naloxone is to be administered, use cautiously because it may precipitate seizures.

Acute abdominal conditions.

The administration of Durotram XR may complicate the clinical assessment of patients with acute abdominal conditions.

Recent tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or throat surgery.

Adults and children are more susceptible to the effects of tramadol following recent tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or throat surgery. The lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time should be prescribed. Patients should be monitored for signs of toxicity or overdose. If symptoms of toxicity are present, tramadol should be stopped immediately.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Durotram XR is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Metabolism of tramadol and M1 is reduced in patients with advanced cirrhosis of the liver, resulting in both a greater systemic exposure to tramadol and longer tramadol and M1 elimination half-lives (13 hours for tramadol and 19 hours for M1).

Use in renal impairment.

Durotram XR is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties). Caution is advised in patients with moderate renal impairment.
Impaired renal function results in a decreased rate and extent of excretion of tramadol and its active metabolite, M1. The total amount of tramadol and M1 removed during a 4 hour dialysis period is less than 7% of the administered dose.

Use in the elderly (> 65 years of age).

Dose adjustment in elderly patients up to 75 years of age without clinically relevant hepatic or renal impairment is not normally necessary. However, in patients aged over 75 years, the elimination half-life of tramadol may be prolonged. The use of Durotram XR in patients over the age of 75 years is not recommended (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Paediatric use.

The safety and effectiveness of Durotram XR in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age has not been established. The use of Durotram XR in this age group is not recommended.

Effects on laboratory tests.

No data available.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

In vitro studies indicate that tramadol is unlikely to inhibit the CYP3A4 mediated metabolism of other drugs when it is administered concomitantly at therapeutic doses. Tramadol does not appear to induce its own metabolism in humans, since observed maximal plasma concentrations after multiple oral doses are higher than expected based on single dose data. Tramadol is a mild inducer of selected drug metabolism pathways measured in animals.
Administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and erythromycin, or inducers, such as rifampin and St. John's wort, with Durotram XR may affect the metabolism of tramadol leading to altered tramadol exposure.

Drug-drug interactions.

MAO inhibitors.

Tramadol is contraindicated in patients receiving MAO inhibitors or who have used them within the previous 14 days (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Drugs that lower seizure threshold.

Tramadol can induce convulsions and increase the potential for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), antipsychotics and other seizure threshold lowering drugs to cause convulsions. (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

CNS depressants.

Concurrent administration of tramadol with other centrally acting drugs, including alcohol, centrally acting analgesics, opioids, anaesthetic agents, psychotropic drugs or sedative hypnotics may potentiate CNS and respiratory depressant effects.
The combination of tramadol with mixed opiate agonists/ antagonists (e.g. buprenorphine, pentazocine) is not advisable because the analgesic effect of a pure agonist may be theoretically reduced in such circumstances.

Use with inhibitors of CYP2D6.

In vitro drug interaction studies in human liver microsomes indicate that concomitant administration with inhibitors of CYP2D6 such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, amitriptyline and phenothiazines may inhibit the metabolism of tramadol resulting in increased plasma concentrations.

Use with quinidine.

Tramadol is metabolised to M1 by CYP2D6. As quinidine is a selective inhibitor of that isoenzyme, concomitant administration of quinidine and tramadol results in increased concentrations of tramadol and reduced concentrations of M1. The clinical consequences of these findings are unknown. In vitro drug interaction studies in human liver microsomes indicate that tramadol has no effect on quinidine metabolism.

Use with inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4.

Administration of CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and erythromycin, or inducers, such as rifampin and St. John's wort, may affect the metabolism of tramadol, leading to altered tramadol exposure.

Use with carbamazepine.

Concomitant administration of tramadol with carbamazepine causes a significant increase in tramadol metabolism, presumably through metabolic induction by carbamazepine. Patients receiving chronic carbamazepine doses of up to 800 mg daily may require up to twice the recommended dose of tramadol.

Use with cimetidine.

Concomitant administration of tramadol immediate release capsules with cimetidine does not result in clinically significant changes in tramadol pharmacokinetics. No alteration of the Durotram XR dosage regimen with cimetidine is recommended.

Use with warfarin-like compounds.

Postmarketing surveillance of tramadol has revealed rare reports of alteration of warfarin effect, including an increased international normalised ratio (INR) and ecchymoses in some patients.
While such changes have been generally of limited clinical significance for tramadol, periodic evaluation of prothrombin time should be performed when Durotram XR tablets and warfarin-like compounds are administered concurrently.

Use with serotonergic agents.

The presence of another drug that increases serotonin by any mechanism should alert the treating doctor to the possibility of an interaction. In isolated cases, there have been reports of serotonin syndrome in a temporal connection with the therapeutic use of tramadol in combination with other serotonergic medicines, e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), MAOIs, triptans, linezolid (an antibiotic which is a reversible nonselective MAOI), lithium, or St John's wort. Signs of serotonin syndrome may be, for example, confusion, agitation, fever, sweating, ataxia, hyper-reflexia, myoclonus and diarrhoea. Withdrawal of the serotonergic medicines usually brings about a rapid improvement. Drug treatment depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms.

Other interactions.

In a limited number of studies, the preoperative or postoperative application of the antiemetic 5HT₃ antagonist ondansetron increased the requirement of tramadol in patients with postoperative pain.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

There were no effects on fertility in rats treated with tramadol at oral doses up to 50 mg/kg/day (approximately the maximum clinical dose on a body surface area basis).
(Category C)
There are no adequate and well controlled studies with tramadol in pregnant women and, therefore, the drug should not be used during pregnancy.
Tramadol has been shown to be embryotoxic and fetotoxic in rats and rabbits at maternotoxic doses (2 to 4 times the maximum clinical dose on a body surface area basis), but there was no evidence of teratogenicity in rats (75 mg/kg/day, or twice the maximum clinical dose on a body surface area basis) or rabbits (175 mg/kg/day, or 8 times the maximum clinical dose on a body surface area basis). There was no fetal harm observed at doses that were not maternotoxic. Embryo and fetal toxicity consisted primarily of reduced fetal weight, skeletal ossification and increased supernumerary ribs. Transient delays in development or behavioural parameters were also seen in pups from rat dams allowed to deliver. Embryo and fetal lethality were reported in only one rabbit study at an extreme maternotoxic dose.

Labour and delivery.

Tramadol should not be used in pregnant women prior to or during labour unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks, because safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Chronic use during pregnancy may lead to neonatal withdrawal symptoms.
The use of tramadol during labour may cause neonatal respiratory depression. Tramadol crosses the placenta and, in women during labour, the mean umbilical vein concentration is similar to the maternal vein concentration.
The effects of tramadol on later growth, development and functional maturation of the child are unknown.
Tramadol and its metabolites have been detected in human breast milk in small amounts. An infant could ingest 0.1% of the single dose given to their mother. A single administration of tramadol does not usually require breastfeeding to be interrupted. If repeated administration is needed for several days, i.e. more than 2 to 3 days, breastfeeding should be suspended. If long-term treatment after birth is necessary, breastfeeding is contraindicated.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Durotram XR was administered to a total of 215 patients during a clinical study. This was a randomised double blind parallel group study of 431 patients with moderate to moderately severe pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee. A titration phase (4-12 days) was followed by a maintenance phase (12 weeks). A summary of adverse events occurring at an incidence of 1% or more is given in Table 1, which includes all events, whether considered by the clinical investigator to be related to the study drug or not.
The majority (67%) of patients who experienced the most common adverse events (≥ 1%) reported mild to moderate symptoms. Overall, onset of these adverse events usually occurred within the first two weeks of treatment.

Adverse effects with an incidence of < 1.0% (whether considered by the clinical investigator to be related to the study drug or not).

Cardiac disorders.

Extrasystoles, palpitations, coronary artery insufficiency.

Eye disorders.

Visual acuity reduced, visual disturbance.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

Abdominal tenderness, duodenal ulcer aggravated, eructation, flatulence, gastric irritation, gastritis, gastritis aggravated, gastroduodenitis, stomach discomfort, toothache.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Asthenia, chest pain, lethargy, oedema peripheral, rigors, thirst.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Biliary tract disorder, cholecystitis.

Infections and infestations.

Bronchitis acute, genitourinary tract infection, herpangina, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, pyelonephritis chronic, sinusitis acute.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Arthropod bite.

Investigations.

Blood cholesterol abnormal, blood pressure increased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, liver function tests abnormal, respiratory rate increased, weight decreased.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Appetite increased, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperuricaemia.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Arthrosis, back pain, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, neck pain, pain in limb.

Nervous system disorders.

Disturbance in attention, encephalopathy, hypersomnia, hypoaesthesia, hypotonia, ischaemic stroke, parkinsonism aggravated, sciatica, tremor.

Psychiatric disorders.

Anxiety, crying, dyssomnia, dysthymic disorder, food aversion, libido decreased, listless, nervousness, neurosis, restlessness, sleep disorder, stress symptoms, tension.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Bacteriuria, difficulty in micturition, dysuria, nephritis interstitial, leucocyturia.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Breast pain.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders.

Pharyngolaryngeal pain, rhinitis.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Photodermatosis, rash.

Vascular disorders.

Essential hypertension, flushing, hot flushes, thrombophlebitis superficial, vein pain.

Other adverse experiences previously reported in clinical trials or postmarketing reports with tramadol hydrochloride.

Adverse events which have been reported with the use of tramadol products include convulsions. Other adverse events which have been reported with the use of tramadol products and for which a causal association has not been determined include difficulty concentrating, hepatitis, liver failure, pulmonary oedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and suicidal tendency.
Serotonin syndrome (whose symptoms may include mental status change, hyper-reflexia, fever, shivering, tremor, agitation, diaphoresis, seizures and coma) has been reported with tramadol when used concomitantly with other serotonergic agents such as SSRIs and MAOIs.
Adverse reactions that may occur after administration of tramadol resemble those known to occur with opioids. Adverse reactions were recorded in 13,802 patients from trials with different formulations of tramadol. The nature and incidence of reactions (in CIOMS format where very common = > 1/10; common = > 1/100 and < 1/10; uncommon = > 1/1000 and < 1/100; rare = > 1/10,000 and < 1/1000; and very rare = < 1/10,000) were as follows.

Blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Uncommon: anaemia, lymphadenopathy, thrombocytopenia.

Cardiovascular.

Uncommon: orthostatic dysregulation (tendency to collapse and cardiovascular collapse), acute myocardial infarction, angina unstable, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, cardiovascular disorder, palpitations, sinus tachycardia, tachycardia.

Ear and labyrinth disorders.

Uncommon: cerumen impaction, ear congestion, ear discomfort, ear pain, labyrinthitis, tinnitus.

Endocrine disorders.

Uncommon: hypothyroidism. Very rare: syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion characterised by hyponatraemia secondary to decreased free water excretion.

Eye disorders.

Uncommon: cataract, dry eyes, eye pain, eyelid disorder, lacrimation increased, photopsia, scleral haemorrhage, blurred vision. Not known: mydriasis.

Gastrointestinal.

Uncommon: abdominal discomfort, lower abdominal pain, change in bowel habit, constipation aggravated, diverticulitis, dyspepsia aggravated, dysphagia, faecal impaction, faeces discoloured, food poisoning, gastrointestinal haemorrhage, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiccups, lip blister, loose stools, pancreatitis aggravated, rectal haemorrhage, rectal prolapse, retching, small intestinal obstruction.

General disorders and administration site conditions.

Common: fatigue. Uncommon: chest tightness, fall, feeling abnormal, feeling cold, inflammation localised, inflammation, influenza-like illness, malaise, mass, pain.

Hepatobiliary disorders.

Uncommon: cholelithiasis.

Hypersensitivity and skin.

Uncommon: hypersensitivity, seasonal allergy. Rare: shock reactions, anaphylaxis.

Infections and infestations.

Uncommon: abscess limb, bladder infection, bronchitis, ear infection, erysipelas, fungal infection including foot and nail, gastroenteritis, gastroenteritis viral, gastrointestinal infection, helicobacter infection, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, laryngitis acute, otitis externa, otitis media, otitis media serous, respiratory tract infection viral, sinusitis, stye, tooth abscess, tooth infection, tracheitis, vaginosis fungal, viral infection, wound infection.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications.

Uncommon: abrasion, back injury, blister, concussion, eye injury, face injury, hand fracture, head injury, joint sprain, laceration, ligament injury, limb injury, muscle injury, muscle strain, neck injury, postoperative wound complication, soft tissue injury, tendon injury, wrist fracture.

Investigations.

Uncommon: alanine aminotransferase decreased, alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase decreased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, blood amylase increased, blood calcium increased, blood cholesterol increased, blood creatinine increased, blood glucose abnormal, blood glucose increased, blood in stool, blood potassium abnormal, blood urea increased, body temperature increased, cardiac murmur, C-reactive protein increased, haematocrit decreased, haematocrit increased, haemoglobin decreased, haemoglobin increased, low density lipoprotein increased, lymphocyte count increased, mammogram abnormal, mean platelet volume decreased, neutrophil count decreased, protein total decreased, red blood cell count decreased, red blood cell count increased, red blood cell sedimentation rate increased, red cell distribution width increased, white blood cell count increased.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders.

Uncommon: decreased appetite, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, gout, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypokalaemia.

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders.

Uncommon: back disorder, bone pain, bone spur, bursitis, ganglion, groin pain, joint crepitation, joint disorder, joint stiffness, joint swelling, musculoskeletal discomfort, musculoskeletal stiffness, myalgia, neck stiffness, osteoarthritis aggravated, osteopenia, osteoporosis, plantar fasciitis, polyarthralgia, rheumatoid arthritis, temporomandibular joint arthralgia, tendonitis. Rare: motor system weakness.

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps).

Uncommon: benign breast neoplasm, breast cancer invasive, breast cancer, thyroid neoplasm, uterine fibroids.

Neurological.

Common: somnolence. Uncommon: trembling, ataxia, burning sensation, dysarthria, gait abnormal, headache aggravated, mental impairment, migraine, neuralgia, paraesthesia, sinus headache, sleep apnoea syndrome. Rare: changes in mood (usually elevation, occasionally dysphoria), hallucinations, coordination disturbance, sleep disturbance, nightmares, respiratory depression, seizures, involuntary muscle contractions, changes in activity (usually suppression, occasionally increase), changes in cognitive and sensorial capacity (e.g. decision behaviour, perception disorders), syncope. Not known: speech disorders.

Psychiatric disorders.

Uncommon: abnormal behaviour, agitation, bipolar disorder, confusion, depression, emotional disturbance, euphoric mood, indifference, irritability. Rare: anxiety.

Renal and urinary disorders.

Uncommon: calculus renal, haematuria, micturition urgency, nocturia, renal impairment, renal pain, urinary frequency, urinary hesitation, urinary incontinence, urinary retention.

Reproductive system and breast disorders.

Uncommon: dysmenorrhoea, erectile dysfunction, genital pruritus female, menometrorrhagia, prostatitis, sexual dysfunction, vaginal cyst, vaginal discharge.

Respiratory.

Uncommon: asthma, chest wall pain, cough, crackles lung, dry throat, dyspnoea, epistaxis, nasal congestion, nasal oedema, productive cough, rhinitis allergic, rhinorrhoea, rhonchi, sinus congestion, sinus pain, throat irritation. Very rare: worsening of asthma (causality not established), respiratory depression (when the recommended doses are considerably exceeded and other respiratory depressant substances are administered concomitantly).

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders.

Uncommon: acne, cold sweat, contusion, dermatitis allergic, dermatitis contact, dermatitis, dermatitis aggravated, dermatosis, dry skin, eczema exacerbated, eczema, erythema, hyperkeratosis, in growing nail, night sweat, pallor, piloerection, prurigo, pruritus generalised, rash pruritic, rosacea, skin ulcer, urticaria.

Surgical and medical procedures.

Uncommon: cardiac pacemaker replacement, colon polypectomy, endodontic procedure, foot operation, hernia repair, lesion excision, tumour excision.

Vascular disorders.

Uncommon: aortic aneurysm, deep venous thrombosis, haematoma, hot flushes aggravated, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension/ dysregulation (tendency to collapse and cardiovascular collapse), poor peripheral circulation, vascular insufficiency, wound haemorrhage.
The incidence of 'CNS irritation' (dizziness), 'autonomic nervous effects' (perspiration), 'orthostatic dysregulation' (tendency to collapse and cardiovascular collapse) and tachycardia and 'nausea/ urge to vomit/ vomiting' can be increased with rapid intravenous administration and also tends to be dose dependent. No tests of significance have been performed.

Drug abuse and dependence.

Although tramadol can produce drug dependence of the mu-opioid type (like codeine or dextropropoxyphene) and potentially may be abused, there has been little evidence of abuse in clinical experience to date. In clinical trials, tramadol produced some effects similar to an opioid, and at supratherapeutic doses was recognised as an opioid in subjective/ behavioural studies. Part of the activity of tramadol is thought to be derived from its active metabolite which is responsible for some delay in onset of activity and some extension of the duration of mu-opioid activity. Delayed mu-opioid activity is believed to reduce a drug's abuse liability.

Tolerance and withdrawal.

Tolerance development has been reported to be relatively mild. Symptoms of withdrawal reactions, similar to those occurring during opiate withdrawal, may occur as follows: agitation, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperkinesia, tremor and gastrointestinal symptoms. Other symptoms that have very rarely been seen with tramadol discontinuation include panic attacks, severe anxiety, hallucinations, paraesthesia, tinnitus and unusual CNS symptoms.

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

General advice.

Durotram XR tablets must be swallowed whole with liquid and not broken, chewed, dissolved or crushed.
Durotram XR can be taken with or without food. Durotram XR dosage should be individualised according to patient need using the lowest effective dose. The maximum recommended dose of 400 mg once daily should not be exceeded.
Before using Durotram XR for longer than three months, reassessment of the patient should be undertaken in order to determine whether ongoing treatment is required. If long-term tramadol treatment is required, careful and regular monitoring should be undertaken to establish whether, and to what extent, ongoing treatment with the medicine is necessary.
Alternative tablet strengths of Durotram XR are available. Use appropriate tablet strengths to achieve the required dose.

Adults.

The starting dose is one 100 mg prolonged release tablet once daily. The usual dose is one 200 mg prolonged release tablet once daily, to be taken preferably in the evening.
If this does not provide sufficient pain relief, the dosage can be increased in 100 mg dose increments to a maximum of 400 mg once daily.
In general, the lowest effective analgesic dose should be chosen.
Durotram XR should not be used for a period longer than absolutely necessary. If continued pain treatment is necessary due to the nature and severity of the illness, careful regular surveillance should be carried out (including periods without treatment, if necessary) in order to determine the need for continued treatment.

Children and adolescents (< 18 years).

Durotram XR is not recommended for the treatment of children (under 18 years of age) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Elderly patients (> 65 years).

Dose adjustment in elderly patients (up to 75 years of age) without clinically relevant hepatic or renal impairment is normally not necessary. In patients over 75 years, the elimination half-life of tramadol may be prolonged. The use of Durotram XR in patients over 75 years of age is not recommended (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Renal impairment.

Durotram XR is contraindicated patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min) (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Hepatic impairment.

Durotram XR is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties).

Missed dose.

If a patient forgets to take one or more doses, they should take their next dose at the normal time and in the normal amount.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

Tramadol may cause dizziness and/or drowsiness and has, even when used according to the directions, an influence on the ability to drive and use machines. This effect may occur at the beginning of treatment and may be potentiated by alcohol and concomitant use of other CNS depressants or antihistamines. If patients are affected, they should be warned not to drive or operate machinery.

4.9 Overdose

Acute tramadol overdosage can result in respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, bradycardia, hypotension and death.
Deaths due to overdose have been reported with abuse and misuse of tramadol, by ingesting, inhaling or injecting the crushed tablets. 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.
In the treatment of tramadol overdosage, primary attention should be given to the re-establishment of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. General treatment measures should be employed in the management of respiratory failure and/or circulatory shock accompanying overdose.
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 could be suppressed with barbiturates or benzodiazepines but were increased with naloxone. Naloxone administration did not change the lethality of an overdose in mice. Haemodialysis 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.
The use of activated charcoal should be considered within the first 1-2 hours after ingestion. As release of tramadol can be sustained following ingestion of Durotram XR, gastric lavage and other procedures to decontaminate the bowel should be considered.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on phone 13 11 26 (Australia).

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

S4.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

See Section 2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 30°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

Supplied in blister packs (PVC/PE/PCTFE (Aclar)/Al) containing 2*, 3, 5*, 10, 20* and 30* tablets.
* Not currently distributed in Australia.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

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