Use of tramadol drip in controlling renal colic pain.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Although the continuous perfusion of antispasmodic drugs has been the traditional mainstay in the treatment of renal colic, the results more often than not are unsatisfactory. Our hypothesis was that a continuous intravenous (IV) drip of tramadol would be an effective and safe alternative.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this prospective study, 300 patients with renal colic were randomized into four treatment groups, single blind for the patients. At the start, all received an anti-inflammatory drug intramuscularly and an antiemetic and antispasmodic IV. Group A was given the classical IV antispasmodic perfusion combined with a sham drip. Group B received the classical antispasmodic perfusion in combination with a tramadol drip. Group C had a sham perfusion and drip. Group D received a sham perfusion and tramadol drip. There was no significant difference in the degree of pain between the groups on a visual analog scale (VAS) at the start. The pain was scored again on the VAS at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 4 hours after the start of the treatment and at IV urography. Side effects, as well as the need for rescue medication, were registered.

RESULTS:

Both tramadol groups scored significantly better after 60 and 240 minutes and during IV urography (P < 0.005). There was a significant decrease in VAS in group B after 30 minutes. The tramadol groups needed significantly less rescue medication (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the reported side effects. The combination spasmolytic-tramadol drip scored the best, although the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

We consider our hypothesis proved that a continuous tramadol drip is a safe and valuable analgesic regimen in renal colic.

• Authors: Luc J M Mortelmans, Didier Desruelles, Joost A Baert, K Robert Hente, Geert G Tailly
• Journal: Journal of endourology (J Endourol) Vol. 20 Issue 12 Pg. 1010-5 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 0892-7790 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17206893 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Tramadol

Topics

• Colic (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Kidney Diseases (drug therapy)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Time Factors
• Tramadol (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)