Tramadol/Acetaminophen (Cont.)

Tramadol/Acetaminophen: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking tramadol/acetaminophen if you have:
 
  • Seizures or epilepsy
  • A history of drug or alcohol dependence
  • A head injury or high intracranial pressure
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Tramadol/Acetaminophen to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

How Does Tramadol/Acetaminophen Work?

Tramadol/acetaminophen contains two different medications: acetaminophen and tramadol hydrochloride. Tramadol is an opioid pain reliever. It is not entirely clear how tramadol works to relieve pain. One of the metabolites of tramadol/acetaminophen can bind to opioid receptors (much like morphine) and may also have effects on serotonin and norepinephrine (important brain chemicals).
 
Acetaminophen ("APAP") is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications such as Tylenol®. "APAP" is an acronym for one of the chemical names for acetaminophen. Combining tramadol with acetaminophen helps improve the combination drug's effectiveness at relieving pain.
 
(Tramadol/Acetaminophen Continued: Page 3)

Pages:

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;