Question

What client characteristic may contraindicate the use of tramadol for the treatment of a clientâs pain following traumatic injuries?

Answer 1

Answer:

Tramadol should not be used in people who:

• are hypersensitive to tramadol
• have received or have been treated with MAO inhibitor drugs in the last 14 days
• have uncontrolled epilepsy on treatment
• are taking abstinence treatment narcotics or acute intoxication of alcohol, hypnotics, opioids and other psychotropics.
• have respiratory issues

Explanation:

  Tramadol is an opioid painkiller that acts on the central nervous system and is indicated for the relief of pain of moderate to severe intensity.  It acts similarly to endorphins, which are natural neurotransmitters related to pain and well-being. Endorphins act by binding to brain opioid receptors by decreasing pain messages that reach the central nervous system.  Like other opioids, tramadol also exerts its analgesic effect by binding these opioid μ receptors, acting as if they were endorphins and blocking the transmission of electrical impulses of pain by the nervous system. When μ opioid receptors are activated, the brain is less able to recognize pain signals sent by the body.

   The prescription of tramadol is contraindicated in the following situations:

• History of severe allergic reaction to tramadol  
• Patients with acute alcohol intoxication, hypnotics, narcotics, centrally acting analgesics, opioids or psychotropes
• Patients receiving MAO inhibitors or who have taken any MAO drugs within the past 14 days
• Children under 12 years.
• History of severe asthma or during acute asthma attack.
• Severe respiratory disease.
• Severe liver dysfunction.