General Description : Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain associated with surgery, or chronic pain in joints or due to cancer. Tramadol is available in 50 mg tablets.
What is this drug?
An analgesic or pain reliever
Given by mouth
Controlled drug in AR, KY, ND, OH and WY
Reasons for prescribing:
To treat acute or chronic pain (ex. post surgery, joint or cancer)
May be prescribed as an alternative to NSAIDs or in addition to an NSAID
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?
Safety in pregnant or nursing animals is unknown
Do not use in patients with head trauma or with a history of seizures
Use with caution in pets with respiratory depression, liver or kidney disease
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to tramadol, codeine or other narcotics
Directions:
Do not use Ultracet® brand on cats.
Read and follow the label carefully.
Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. It is usually giventwo or four times a day .
Ideally, give the medication at the same time(s) daily.
Tramadol may be given with or without food, but do not crush tablets.
If your pet is on this medication long-term (several weeks), do not abruptly stop giving the medication without consulting your veterinarian. Your pet will experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if the dose is not tapered down slowly.
Ensure your pet has plenty of fresh drinking water.
Call ahead for refills.
What if a dose is missed?
If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.
What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?
Talk to your veterinarian about:
When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:
If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:
Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product
Potential side effects:
Do not use Ultracet® brand on cats.
Occasional sedation and respiratory depression
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and constipation
Cats: dilated pupils and/or disorientation
If you see any of these symptoms or any behavior changes or notice anything else unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?
Yes, but possible interactions may occur with amitraz (ex. Mitaban®, Preventic® tick collar), cold or allergy medication, digoxin, ketoconazole, monamine oxidase inhibitors [(MAOIs), ex. Anipryl®], muscle relaxers, narcotic pain medications, oral dietary supplements, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [(SSRIs) ex. Reconcile®], tricyclic medications (ex. Clomicalm®) and warfarin.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?
Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet receives more than the prescribed amount.
What else should I know?
Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.
As with all prescribed medicines, tramadol should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.
This is just a summary of information about tramadol. If you have any questions or concerns about tramadol or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.
