Utramal Retard 100 mg

Description

Indications
Utramal Retard is prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. Common conditions treated include:

• Postoperative pain
• Colic and spastic pain
• Cancer-related pain
• Joint pain
• Neck and back pain
• Pain associated with osteoporosis

Note: Always follow the guidance of a registered healthcare professional before taking this medication.

Pharmacology
Utramal Retard contains tramadol, a synthetic analgesic that works centrally in the nervous system. Tramadol inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which in turn alters the transmission of pain signals. The pain-relieving effects are primarily mediated through the stimulation of mu-opioid receptors and the indirect modulation of inhibitory pathways in the central nervous system.

Dosage & Administration
Capsules/Tablets:

• The usual recommended dose is 50-100 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
• For acute pain, an initial dose of 100 mg is recommended.
• For chronic pain conditions, the starting dose is generally 50 mg.
• Subsequent doses should be between 50 to 100 mg, taken every 4 to 6 hours.
• The total daily dose should not exceed 400 mg.

Sustained Release Capsules/Tablets:

• Take one sustained-release capsule or tablet every 12 hours (for example, one in the morning and one in the evening at the same time).
• The dosage may vary depending on the severity of the pain, but it should not be taken more frequently than every 12 hours.
• The total daily dose should not exceed 400 mg.

Injection:

• The initial dose is 100 mg, which may be administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection.
• Subsequent doses of 50-100 mg can be given every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding a total daily dose of 600 mg.
• For postoperative pain, a starting dose of 100 mg is given, followed by 50 mg every 10 to 20 minutes if necessary, up to a maximum of 250 mg within the first hour.

Suppository:

• Tramadol suppositories should be administered rectally.
• The usual adult dose is 100 mg every 6 hours, with a maximum daily dose of 400 mg (four suppositories). For cancer pain or severe postoperative pain, higher doses may be required.

Note: Always follow the guidance of a registered healthcare professional before taking this medication.

Drug Interactions
Generally, Utramal Retard is not associated with significant drug interactions. However, caution should be exercised when combining it with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, as this combination is not recommended. Co-administration with carbamazepine may significantly increase the metabolism of tramadol, necessitating an adjustment of the dosage.

Contraindications
Tramadol is contraindicated in individuals who are hypersensitive to the drug. It is also contraindicated in cases of acute intoxication due to alcohol, hypnotics, centrally acting analgesics, opioids, or psychotropic drugs.

Side Effects
Common side effects of Utramal Retard may include dizziness, nausea, constipation, headache, drowsiness, vomiting, itching, central nervous system stimulation, fatigue, sweating, indigestion, dry mouth, and diarrhea.
Less common side effects may include malaise, allergic reactions, weight loss, vasodilation, palpitations, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, flatulence, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatitis, and stomatitis.

Pregnancy & Lactation
The safety of tramadol during pregnancy has not been established. It has been shown to cross the placenta, but there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Utramal Retard should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus.
Tramadol is not recommended during breastfeeding as it is excreted in breast milk.

Precautions & Warnings

• Respiratory Depression: Tramadol should be used with caution, especially when combined with anesthetics or alcohol, as it can cause respiratory depression.
• Opioid Dependence: Utramal Retard is not suitable for individuals with opioid dependence.
• Concomitant CNS Depressants: Care should be taken when administering Utramal Retard to patients on CNS depressants like alcohol, opioids, anesthetics, or sedative medications.
• Concomitant MAO Inhibitors: Tramadol should be used cautiously in individuals taking MAO inhibitors due to its effect on norepinephrine and serotonin uptake.
• Intracranial Pressure & Abdominal Conditions: Utramal Retard should be used with caution in patients with increased intracranial pressure, head injuries, or acute abdominal conditions.

Use in Special Populations

• Children (1 year and above): Utramal Retard can be given in doses of 1-2 mg/kg body weight.
• Children under 14 years: Utramal Retard suppositories (100 mg) should not be used in children under 14 years.
• Safety in Children: Utramal Retard 100 mg sustained-release capsules have not been studied in children, and their safety and efficacy are not established.

Therapeutic Class
Opioid analgesics

Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C, in a dry place away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.