Extended-release formulations of tramadol in the treatment of chronic pain.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic available throughout the world. Its dual opioid and non-opioid mechanisms of action, favorable efficacy and safety clinical profiles and non-controlled regulatory status in most markets contribute to its widespread use. A drawback of the immediate-release formulation of tramadol (four-times-a-day dosing) might be addressed by an extended-release formulation. Extended-release formulations also can offer advantages in the management of chronic pain: convenience, reduced pill burden (possibly leading to improved compliance) and the attenuation of peaks and troughs in serum concentration (possibly leading to reduced adverse effects).

AREAS COVERED:

The authors review tramadol's mechanisms of action and the clinical literature regarding the use of tramadol extended-release formulations for the management of conditions involving chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain syndromes, osteoarthritis and cancer pain.

EXPERT OPINION:

Based on the literature cited, extended-release formulations of tramadol seem to offer a rational and important addition to the analgesic armamentarium. As is true for all such options, the benefits and risks must be assessed for each patient.

• Authors: Joseph V Pergolizzi Jr, Robert Taylor Jr, Robert B Raffa
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 12 Issue 11 Pg. 1757-68 (Aug 2011) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21609187 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Analgesics, Opioid
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Tramadol

Topics

• Analgesics, Opioid (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Chronic Disease
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Humans
• Medication Adherence
• Pain (drug therapy, etiology)
• Tramadol (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)