A healthcare provider may prescribe
tramadol hydrochloride (
Ultram®) to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. This medication is only available in one strength --
tramadol 50 mg tablets. However, your exact dosage will be based on several factors, such as your age, how you respond to tramadol, and other medical conditions you may have.
Most people start with a low dosage of tramadol, such as 25 mg (half a tablet) once daily in the morning. Your healthcare provider may increase your dose by up to 50 mg per day until a dose of tramadol 50 mg four times daily is reached. The maximum dose should not exceed 400 mg total per day.
When rapid pain relief is necessary, your healthcare provider might recommend starting with the full dose (tramadol 50 mg to 100 mg every four to six hours as needed for pain, up to a maximum of 400 mg total per day). However, be aware that starting with the full dose increases your risk for bothersome or intolerable
tramadol side effects.
(Click Tramadol Dosage for more information on how tramadol 50 mg can be beneficial in treating moderate to moderately severe pain. This article also explains the factors that may affect your dose and provides some tips on when and how to take this medication.)
