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Tramadol: does it have a role in emergency medicine?
Article first published online: 27 JAN 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2005.00671.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Close, B. R. (2005), Tramadol: does it have a role in emergency medicine?. Emergency Medicine Australasia, 17: 73–83. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2005.00671.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 27 JAN 2005
- Article first published online: 27 JAN 2005
- Accepted 28 July 2004
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- emergency medicine;
- pain;
- tramadol
Abstract
Tramadol is a synthetic analgesic new to the Australasian market where its use is rapidly increasing. It is used extensively overseas, particularly in Europe where it has been popular since its introduction in Germany in the late 1970s. Tramadol has a dual mechanism of action: weak mu opioid receptor agonist and a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and noradrenaline. Thus, it has distinct advantages and disadvantages compared to other available analgesics. Its use is advocated in a variety of acute and chronic pain states as well as some non-analgesic applications. The use of tramadol in an emergency setting is not well studied, with most published trials assessing its efficacy and tolerability in postoperative or dental models. This literature review concludes that tramadol does not offer any particular benefits over existing analgesics for the majority of emergency pain relief situations.