Tramadol
Tramadol is a opioid painkiller found in 9 medicines sold in India, such as Ultracet, Ultranise, Calpol T. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Treats moderate to severe pain when ordinary painkillers are not enough.
How it works
An opioid that acts on the brain's opioid receptors and also raises serotonin and noradrenaline, which dampens pain signals.
How to take it
Usually 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 400 mg a day; slow-release forms are taken once or twice a day. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time, and do not stop suddenly after long use.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
Get medical help straight away if
- Slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness or confusion
- A seizure
- Agitation, fever, shivering and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome)
Be careful
Can cause drowsiness and dependence. Do not drive or drink alcohol; controlled prescription medicine.
Other medicines and interactions
Dangerous with alcohol, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and other opioids (breathing can slow). Raises seizure and serotonin syndrome risk with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics), and with ondansetron. Can be habit-forming.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy unless clearly needed; use near birth can cause withdrawal or breathing problems in the newborn. Not recommended while breastfeeding.
Combination medicines that contain Tramadol (9)
Common questions
What is Tramadol used for?
Treats moderate to severe pain when ordinary painkillers are not enough.
How does Tramadol work?
An opioid that acts on the brain's opioid receptors and also raises serotonin and noradrenaline, which dampens pain signals.
How should I take Tramadol?
Usually 50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 400 mg a day; slow-release forms are taken once or twice a day. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time, and do not stop suddenly after long use.
What are the side effects of Tramadol?
Common: Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, headache, sweating, dry mouth. Get help straight away for: Slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness or confusion, a seizure, agitation, fever, shivering and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome).
Does Tramadol interact with other medicines?
Dangerous with alcohol, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and other opioids (breathing can slow). Raises seizure and serotonin syndrome risk with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics), and with ondansetron. Can be habit-forming.
Is Tramadol safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Avoid in pregnancy unless clearly needed; use near birth can cause withdrawal or breathing problems in the newborn. Not recommended while breastfeeding.
Does Tramadol need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Tramadol?
Acuvin, Augtram, Calpol T, Pyrigesic T, Trabest, Ultracet, Ultram, Ultramed, Ultranise.
Sources and further reading
- Tramadol: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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