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CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Andrea Tarr, Fear Free,

Medication: Tramadol

Medication: Tramadol

Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient tramadol for the management of chronic pain.

Key points:
• Analgesic.
• Do not give if your cat has epilepsy.
• Do not exceed recommended dose.
• Dosage: as recommended by veterinarian.

This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.

Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian. 

Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage

Name
  • Tramadol (tram-ah-doll).
Brand name
  • May have various brand names including Tralieve®, Tramvetol®, Ultram®, ConZip®, Durela®, Ralivia®, Rybix®, Ryzolt®, Tramadog®, Tridural®, Zytram®.
Class of medication
  • Analgesic with both opioid and non-opioid properties.
Storage
  • Store at room temperature.
  • There is a potential for abuse of tramadol by people and so it is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (class C) and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 (Schedule 3) in the UK and is a controlled substance in the USA. This means it is illegal to use it without a prescription.

Why has my cat been prescribed tramadol?

Your veterinarian has prescribed tramadol for the management of chronic pain. Your cat may require pain relief if they suffer from osteoarthritis or have cancer.

How is the medication given?

Tramadol is given by mouth as a tablet. The tablets can be given with or without food. Tramadol has a bitter taste and giving the medication in some food may help to hide its bitter taste. Avoid using your cat’s regular diet to administer as an aversion to the food may develop if the medication is detected. This can result in your cat refusing to eat the food anymore even without the medication hidden in it. 

Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?

Tramadol may cause:

  • Sedation in some animals. This may make your pet seem less alert than usual or cause a change in normal behavior.
  • Nausea.
  • May make seizures more likely.

Tramadol should not be given with tri-cyclic antidepressants, serotonin reuptake inhibitors or monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to the risk of serotonin syndrome (increased heart rate, pupil dilation, twitching and hyperreflexia) and potential for seizures.

How long will my cat need to receive this medication?

If prescribed for chronic pain, tramadol may be prescribed for long-term use but regular monitoring will be required.

How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?

Take any unused tramadol back to the veterinary surgery for disposal. Don’t flush down the toilet or sink. Do not save tramadol for future use, or give to other pets or humans.

What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?

If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period. If an overdose has been given, contact your veterinarian immediately who can administer an antidote (naloxone).

My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?

If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.

What should I do if this medication is accidentally given to another pet or taken by a human?

Tramadol should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for and at the dose specified by your veterinarian:

  • Do not give to other pets in the household.
  • If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
  • Do not give if your cat has epilepsy.

If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.

Will my cat need to be monitored while on tramadol?

Your veterinarian should advise you on how to monitor the effects of tramadol in relieving pain. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet’s pain is not being controlled.

Further information

If you have any concerns, further information on tramadol can be found on the package insert and the following websites:

Europe & UK

Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.

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