Tramadol

Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?

Your pet has been prescribed tramadol, a pain medication.

Adverse effects:

Sedation is the most common side effect.

Tramadol appears to be well tolerated in dogs. Potentially, it could cause a variety of adverse effects, including: central nervous system effects (excessive sedation, agitation, anxiety, tremor, dizziness), or gastrointestinal effects (inappetence, vomiting, constipation to diarrhea).

Very limited information is available on the adverse effects in cats. Dose avoidance (unpalatability), vomiting, sedation, mydriasis, dysphoria or euphoria, and constipation have been reported.

May cause changes in alertness or behavior, and should be used with caution in working or service dogs.

Storage and handling:

Tramadol tablets should be stored at room temperature 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F). Dispense in tight, light-resistant containers.

Please see the prescription label for dosing information and means of administration.

Always follow the label instructions. Never administer any medication unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Keep out of reach of children.

Plumb, D. C. (2015). Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 8^th edition. Accessed via Veterinary Information Network; vin.com

Extra-label drug use

Extra-label drug use, also referred to as “off-label use” refers to the use of a drug approved by Health Canada in an animal in a manner not in accordance with the label or package insert with respect to species, indication, dose, duration, and route of administration.

A drug used in an extra-label manner does not have proven safety or efficacy characteristic based on its intended use.

The availability of approved veterinary drugs for the species being treated is always considered before prescribing medication in an extra-label manner.

With the limited approved veterinary drugs, extra-label drug use often involves the use medications made for other species (including humans) in our pets.

Compounded medications (Tramadol 10 mg ONLY)

Your pet has been prescribed a compounded medication.

A compounded medication is one in which an approved drug has been manipulated to produce dosage, form, or concentration other than that which is provided for in the directions for use on the label. This can include:

• Combining two or more drugs to create a new drug.
• Diluting a drug other than according to the instructions on the label.
• Mixing to administer by a different route than is recommended on the label, or directions for use.
• Converting an approved medication into a different form (i.e.: tablet to a liquid, splitting one capsule into two capsules).
• Adding an unapproved non-drug substance (i.e.: a flavor base).

Compounded medications are most often dispensed when there is a therapeutic need for a drug, and there is no approved drug in the appropriate form for dosing.

Unlike licensed veterinary drugs that undergo a strict legislated approval process by Health Canada, compounded drugs are not tested or approved by Health Canada, and their use may be associated with greater risk. The efficacy of the drug when compounded is not necessarily known.

There can be risks associated handling these products. Please see the prescription label for specific instructions on safe handling of the medication dispensed today (if applicable).

At Bayview Village Veterinary Clinic, our compounded medications come from an accredited Ontario pharmacy with a strict quality control program. We are confident in the safety and efficacy of the medications compounded at this pharmacy.