1. Name Of The Medicinal Product
Tramquel SR 50 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Tramquel SR 100 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Tramquel SR 150 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
Tramquel SR 200 mg prolonged-release hard capsules
2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition
One capsule contains 50 mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg of tramadol hydrochloride
This product contains the excipients sucrose (9.375 18.75 28.125 37.5mg/capsule).
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. Pharmaceutical Form
Prolonged release hard capsule.
The 50 mg capsules are dark green and marked T50SR.
The 100 mg capsules are white and marked T100SR
The 150 mg capsules are dark green and marked T150SR
The 200 mg capsules are yellow and marked T200SR
4. Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
Treatment of moderate to severe pain.
4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration
The capsules are intended for twice daily oral administration and can be taken independently of meal times, swallowed whole with water.
As with all analgesic drugs the dosing of Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules should be adjusted depending on the severity of the pain and the individual clinical response of the patient. The dose used should be the lowest dose that provides pain relief.
Adults:
The usual initial dose is 50-100 mg twice daily, morning and evening. This dose may be titrated up to 150-200 mg twice daily according to pain severity.
If long-term pain treatment with tramadol is necessary in view of the nature and severity of the illness, then careful and regular monitoring should be carried out (if necessary with breaks in treatment) to establish whether and to what extent further treatment is necessary.
A total oral daily dose of 400 mg should not be exceeded except in special clinical circumstances.
Elderly patients:
Dosing as for adults, however it should be noted that in patients over 75 years there tends to be an increase in absolute bioavailability of tramadol and a 17% increase in the terminal elimination half-life. An adjustment of the dosage or the dose interval may be required.
Patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency:
As the elimination of tramadol may be prolonged in patients with severe renal and/or hepatic impairment, the use of Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsulesis not recommended. In moderate cases an adjustment of the dosage interval may be required.
Patients who have difficulty in swallowing:
Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules can be opened, carefully, so that the pellets are deposited on a spoon. The spoon and pellets should be taken into the mouth, followed by a drink of water to rinse the mouth of all pellets. The pellets must not be chewed or crushed.
Children and adolescents :
Over 12 years: Dosage as for adults.
Under 12 years: Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules have not been studied in children. Therefore, safety and efficacy have not been established and the product should not be used in children.
4.3 Contraindications
Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules should not be given to patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity to the active substance tramadol or to any of the other excipients.
The product should not be administered to patients suffering from acute intoxication with hypnotics, centrally acting analgesics, opioids, psychotropic drugs or alcohol.
Tramadol should not be administered to patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 2 weeks of their withdrawal.
Contra-indicated in patients suffering from uncontrolled epilepsy.
Tramadol must not be used for narcotic withdrawal treatment.
4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use
Warnings:
Tramadol has a low dependence potential. On long-term use tolerance, psychic and physical dependence may develop. In patients with a tendency to drug abuse or dependence, treatment should be for short periods under strict medical supervision. In rare cases at therapeutic doses, tramadol has the potential to cause withdrawal symptoms.
Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules are not a suitable substitute in opioid dependent patients. The product does not suppress morphine withdrawal symptoms although it is an opioid agonist.
Convulsions have been reported at therapeutic doses and the risk may be increased at doses exceeding the usual upper daily dose limit. Patients with a history of epilepsy or those susceptible to seizures should only be treated with tramadol if there are compelling reasons. The risk of convulsions may increase in patients taking tramadol and concomitant medication that can lower the seizure threshold (see section 4.5).
This medicinal product contains sucrose and therefore should not be used by patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
Precautions:
Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules should be used with prudence in patients who have shown previous hypersensitivity to opiates, and in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment, head injury, decreased level of consciousness, increased intracranial pressure, or patients in shock or at risk of convulsions.
At recommended therapeutic doses Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules are unlikely to produce clinically relevant respiratory depression. Care should however be taken when administering Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules to patients with existing respiratory depression or excessive bronchial secretion and in those patients taking concomitant CNS depressant drugs.
4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction
Patients treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days prior to the administration of the opioid pethidine have experienced life-threatening interactions affecting the central nervous system as well as the respiratory and circulatory centres. The possibility of similar interactions occurring between monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tramadol cannot be ruled out.
Tramadol may potentiate the CNS depressant effects of other centrally acting drugs (including alcohol) when administered concomitantly with such drugs.
Tramadol may increase the potential for selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), anti-psychotics and other seizure threshold lowering drugs to cause convulsions (see section 4.4).
Isolated cases of serotonergic syndrome have been reported with the therapeutic use of tramadol in combination with other serotonergic agents such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonergic syndrome can be manifested by symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, fever, sweat, ataxia, hyperreflexia, myoclonia and diarrhoea. Withdrawal of the serotonergic agent produces a rapid improvement.
Administration of Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules together with carbamazepine results in markedly decreased serum concentrations of tramadol which may reduce analgesic effectiveness and shorten the duration of action.
Caution should be exercised during concomitant treatment with tramadol and coumarin derivatives (e.g. warfarin) due to reports of increased INR and ecchymoses in some patients.
The combination of mixed agonists/antagonists (e.g. buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) and tramadol is not recommended because it is theoretically possible that the analgesic effect of a pure agonist is attenuated under these circumstances.
The analgesic effect of tramadol is in part mediated by inhibition of the re-uptake of norepinephrine and enhancement of the release of serotonin (5-HT). In studies the pre- or postoperative application of the antiemetic 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron increased the requirements of tramadol in patients with postoperative pain.
There is no interaction with food.
4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation
Pregnancy:
Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules should not be used during pregnancy as there is inadequate evidence available to assess the safety of tramadol in pregnant women. Tramadol - administered before or during birth - does not affect uterine contractility. In neonates it may induce changes in the respiratory rate which are usually not clinically relevant.
Lactation:
Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules should not be administered during breast feeding as tramadol and its metabolites have been detected in breast milk. 0.1% of the dose administered to the mother may be excreted in milk.
4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines
Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules may cause drowsiness and this effect may be potentiated by alcohol, anti-histamines and other CNS depressants. If patients are affected they should be warned not to drive or operate machinery.
4.8 Undesirable Effects
The most commonly reported adverse drug reactions are nausea and dizziness, both occurring in more than 10% of patients.
Immune system disorders:
Rare (
Metabolism and nutrition disorders:
Rare (
Psychiatric disorders:
Rare (1/10,000 to < 1/1,000): psychic side-effects may occur following administration of tramadol which vary individually in intensity and nature (depending on personality and duration of medication). These include changes in mood (usually elation, occasionally dysphoria), changes in activity (usually suppression, occasionally increase) and changes in cognitive and sensorial capacity (e.g. decision behaviour, perception disorders), hallucinations, confusion, sleep disturbances and nightmares.
Prolonged administration of Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules may lead to dependence (see section 4.4). Symptoms of withdrawal reactions, similar to those occurring during opiate withdrawal, may occur as follows: agitation, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperkinesia, tremor and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Nervous system disorders:
Very common (1/10) dizziness.
Common (
Rare (
Paraesthesia and tremor.
Very rare (< 1/10,000): vertigo
Eye disorders:
Rare (
Cardiac disorders:
Uncommon (1/1,000 to < 1/100): effects on cardiovascular regulation (palpitation, tachycardia, postural hypotension or cardiovascular collapse). These adverse effects may occur especially on intravenous administration and in patients who are physically stressed.
Rare (1/10,000 to < 1/1,000): bradycardia, increase in blood pressure.
Vascular disorders:
Very rare (< 1/10,000): flushing.
Respiratory disorders:
Worsening of asthma has also been reported, though a causal relationship has not been established.
Respiratory depression has been reported. If the recommended doses are considerably exceeded and other centrally depressant substances are administered concomitantly (see section 4.5 "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction") respiratory depression may occur.
Gastrointestinal disorders:
Very common (1/10): vomiting, nausea.
Common (1/100 to < 1/10): constipation, dry mouth.
Uncommon (1/1,000 to < 1/100): retching, gastrointestinal irritation (a feeling of pressure in the stomach, bloating).
Hepatobiliary disorders:
In a few isolated cases an increase in liver enzyme values has been reported in a temporal connection with the therapeutic use of tramadol.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
Common (1/100 to < 1/10): sweating.
Uncommon (1/1,000 to < 1/100): dermal reactions (e.g. pruritus, rash, urticaria).
Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders:
Rare (1/10,000 to < 1/1,000): motorial weakness.
Renal and urinary system disorders:
Rare (1/10,000 to < 1/1,000): micturition disorders (difficulty in passing urine and urinary retention).
General disorders:
Common (
4.9 Overdose
Symptoms of tramadol overdose include vomiting, miosis, sedation, seizures, respiratory depression and hypotension, with circulatory failure and coma. Respiratory failure may also occur. Such symptoms are typical of opioid analgesics.
Treatment of overdose requires the maintenance of the airway and cardiovascular functions. Respiratory depression may be reversed using naloxone and fits controlled with diazepam. Naloxone administration may increase the risk of seizures.
The treatment of acute overdose of tramadol using haemodialysis or haemofiltration alone is not sufficient or suitable due to the slow elimination of tramadol from the serum by these routes.
5. Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other opioids, ATC code: N02AX02
Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic which possesses opioid agonist properties. Tramadol consists of two enantiomers, the (+)-isomer is predominantly active as an opioid with preferential activity for the μ-receptor. The (-)-isomer potentiates the analgesic effect of the (+)-isomer and is active as an inhibitor of noradrenaline and serotoninuptake thereby modifying the transmission of pain impulses.
Tramadol also has an antitussive action. At the recommended dosages, the effects of tramadol given orally on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems appear to be clinically insignificant. The potency of tramadol is reported to be 1/10 to 1/6 of morphine.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties
About 90% of tramadol released from Tramquel SR prolonged-release hard capsules is absorbed after oral administration. The mean absolute bioavailability is approximately 70%, irrespective of concomitant intake of food.
The difference between absorbed and non-metabolised available tramadol is probably due to low first-pass effect. The first pass-effect after oral administration is a maximum of 30%.
Tramadol has a high tissue affinity with an apparent volume of distribution of 203 ± 40 litres after oral dosing in healthy volunteers. Protein binding is limited to 20%.
After single dose administration of Tramquel SR 50 mg prolonged-release hard capsules the peak plasma concentration Cmax 70 ± 16 ng/ml is reached after 5.3 h. After administration of Tramquel SR 100 mg prolonged-release hard capsules Cmax 137 ± 27 ng/ml is reached after 5.9 h. Following administration of Tramquel SR 200 mg prolonged-release hard capsules Cmax 294 ± 82 ng/ml is reached after 6.5 h. The reference product (Tramadol Immediate Release Capsules, given as a total dose of 200 mg tramadol hydrochloride) reached a peak concentration of Cmax 640 ± 143 ng/ml after 2.0 hours.
The relative bioavailability for the slow release formulation after single dose administration is 89% and increases to 100% after multiple dose administration in comparison to the reference product.
Tramadol passes the blood-brain and placenta barriers. Very small amounts of the substance and its O-demethyl derivative are found in the breast-milk (0.1% and 0.02% respectively of the applied dose).
Elimination of half-life t½βis approximately 6 h, irrespective of the mode of administration. In patients above 75 years of age it may be prolonged by a factor of 1.4.
In humans tramadol is mainly metabolised by means of N- and O-demethylation and conjugation of the O-demethylation products with glucuronic acid. Only O-desmethyltramadol is pharmacologically active. There are considerable interindividual quantitative differences between the other metabolites. So far, eleven metabolites have been found in the urine. Animal experiments have shown that O-desmethyltramadol is more potent than the parent substance by the factor 2-4. Its half life t½β (6 healthy volunteers) is 7.9 h (range 5.4-9.6 h) and is approximately that of tramadol.
The inhibition of one or both cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 involved in the metabolism of tramadol, may affect the plasma concentration of tramadol or its active metabolite. The clinical consequences of any such interactions are not known.
Tramadol and its metabolites are almost completely excreted via the kidneys. Cumulative urinary excretion is 90% of the total radioactivity of the administered dose. In cases of impaired hepatic and renal function the half-life may be slightly prolonged. In patients with cirrhosis of the liver, elimination half-lives of 13.3 ± 4.9 h (tramadol) and 18.5 ± 9.4 h (O-desmethyltramadol), in an extreme case 22.3 h and 36 h respectively have been determined. In patients with renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance < 5 ml/min) the values were 11 ± 3.2 h and 16.9 ± 3 h, in an extreme case 19.5 h and 43.2 h, respectively.
Tramadol has a linear pharmacokinetic profile within the therapeutic dosage range.
The relationship between serum concentrations and the analgesic effect is dose-dependent, but varies considerably in isolated cases. A serum concentration of 100 - 300 ng/ml is usually effective.
5.3 Preclinical Safety Data
Pre-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity, genotoxicity or carcinogenic potential. Studies of tramadol in rats and rabbits have revealed no teratogenic effects. However, embryo toxicity was shown in the form of delayed ossification. Fertility, reproductive performance and development of offspring were unaffected.
6. Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List Of Excipients
Capsule Contents: Sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch), colloidal anhydrous silica, ethylcellulose, shellac, talc.
Capsule Shell: Gelatin, Titanium Dioxide (E171)
The 50 mg and 150 mg capsules also contain Iron Oxide Yellow (E172) and Indigotine (E132).
The 200 mg capsules also contain Iron Oxide Yellow (E172)
Printing ink contains shellac, iron oxide black (E172) and propylene glycol.
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf Life
5 years.
6.4 Special Precautions For Storage
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container
White opaque PVC/PVDC and aluminium foil blisters. Each blister contains 10 capsules.
Each pack contains 10, 20, 30, 50, 60 or 100 capsules per pack.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed in all Member States.
6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling
No special requirements.
7. Marketing Authorisation Holder
Meda Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Skyway House
Parsonage Road
Takeley
Bishop's Stortford
CM22 6PU
UK
Trading as:
Beechmere Pharmaceuticals
Pearl Assurance House
Friar Lane
Nottingham
NG1 6BX
8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)
PL 15142/0124
PL 15142/0125
PL 15142/0126
PL 15142/0127
9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation
September 2007
10. Date Of Revision Of The Text
09 June 2010
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