Tramacet

How does it work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients, tramadol hydrochloride and paracetamol. These are both pain-relieving medicines. Tramadol hydrochloride is a type of painkiller called an opioid. It is related to morphine, though is not as strong a painkiller. Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors. Tramadol mimicks the action of our natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. Tramadol also works by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds that act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Tramadol enhances the effect of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline, and this action also helps relieve pain. Paracetamol is a non-opioid painkiller that on its own is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. It can also reduce fever. It is not fully understood how paracetamol works. The combination of tramadol and paracetamol in this medicine is used to provide relief from moderate to severe pain.

What is it used for?

Moderate to severe pain

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistant heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine, which will be stated in the product packaging or information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Some people may rarely experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking this medicine. These may include feeling agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky, or having difficulty sleeping. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after stopping this medicine. These effects usually disappear after a few days.

This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

This medicine is not recommended for people with severely decreased kidney function.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Diseases of the bile ducts

Head injury

History of drug, alcohol or medication dependence or abuse

History of fits (seizures), eg epilepsy

Impaired breathing ability

Impaired conciousness

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Moderately decreased liver function

People over the age of 75 years

Reduced blood flow to vital internal organs (shock)

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

People under the influence of (intoxicated with) alcohol, sleeping tablets, tranquilizers, psychotropic drugs (those affecting mood or emotions) or other painkillers that act on the brain, eg morphine, codeine

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

Pregnancy

Severely decreased liver function

Uncontrolled epilepsy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established, therefore it should not be used by pregnant women. Consult your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not take more than 2 at any one time. Do not take more than 8 in 24 hours.

Do not take this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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