Tramadol
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Tramadol for pets in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information
- Tramadol is a strong pain medicine in the opioid family.
- You can give it with food or on an empty stomach. If you give it with food, it may help hide the very bitter taste.
- When it is used for long-term (ongoing) pain, it may take as long as 2 weeks before you see the full benefit.
- Usual side effects are sleepiness, throwing up, loose stools, and eating less.
- This medicine is a controlled drug.
- Keep it locked up or otherwise stored safely where it cannot be seen.
- Use it only for the pet it was prescribed for. Giving it to someone else or selling it is against the law.
Note: This handout is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- Opioid pain medicine.
- Comes as pills, capsules, and liquid taken by mouth.
- Some mouth tablets also come mixed with acetaminophen.
Other common names
- Ultram
Uses
Your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it in an extra-label way for:
- Pain control in dogs, cats, and other animals.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every pet. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- All other medicines or supplements your pet is taking, especially medicines used for depression.
- Any health problems your pet has now or has had before.
- Any bad reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past.
- Possible risks if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
A product that combines tramadol with acetaminophen must NEVER be given to cats or ferrets. Acetaminophen is fatal to these animals.
Do not use:
- In pets that have an allergy to tramadol or to other opioid pain medicines.
Use with caution in animals:
- Pets with kidney, liver, or breathing (lung) problems.
- Pets that have epilepsy or have had seizures before.
- Working animals or service animals, because this medicine can make them too sleepy to do their tasks.
- Pets taking medicines that can change serotonin levels, such as antidepressants.
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is on this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
- This is a controlled drug and must be used only by the animal it was prescribed for. It is illegal to give it away or sell it to anyone else.
How do I give this medication?
- Give exactly what your veterinarian prescribed. Follow the directions on the pharmacy label every time.
- You may give it with food or without food. Food may help cover the bitter taste.
- If you are using the liquid form, measure it with an oral dosing syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse:
- Sleepiness.
- Eating less, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
- Itching is often reported in people taking tramadol and may also happen in animals.
Severe – stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you see any of the following:
- Seizures.
- Agitation (acting anxious, upset, unable to settle, or unable to relax).
- Very heavy sleepiness, trouble walking, or stumbling.
- Breathing problems, blue-colored gums, or collapse.
Very rarely, this medicine can cause a problem called serotonin syndrome. This means too much serotonin builds up in the body. Possible signs include stiff muscles, muscle shaking, inability to settle, heavy panting or constant pacing, acting very worked up, large pupils, poor coordination, confusion, or seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these signs.
The chance of serotonin syndrome is higher when more than one medicine that affects serotonin is given at the same time.
How will I know it's working?
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s symptoms get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
- Most pets should begin to feel better within 1 to 2 days.
- If it is being used for ongoing pain, it can take up to 2 weeks to reach full effect.
- The medicine’s effect should be gone within 24 hours after the last dose.
- The effect may last longer in pets whose kidneys or liver do not work well.
How long do I give it for? Tramadol for pets in Perth
- This medicine may be used for different time periods. Give it for the length of time your veterinarian instructs.
- You may need prescription refills.
- If your pet has been on it for a long time, the dose must be reduced slowly over time rather than stopped all at once.
- Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal side effects.
- Speak with your veterinarian before you stop giving it.
Overdose
Possible overdose signs include very heavy sleepiness, trouble standing or walking, breathing trouble, pale gums, muscle shaking, seizures, restlessness or agitation, or confusion.
If you see an overdose or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline right away (a consultation fee applies):
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
If possible, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, then go back to the normal schedule.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the usual schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Because this is a controlled drug, get rid of any unused medicine as soon as you can. Do not flush it down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, put the mixture into a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
Because this is a controlled drug, keep it stored securely and out of sight.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”