Tramadol 100 & 200 Sr Biotech 100 mg, 200 mg Tablet

Management of moderate to severe pain.

The dosage should be adjusted to the intensity of pain and the sensitivity of the individual patient.

Adults and children over 12 years: The usual initial dose is 100 mg twice daily, to be taken whole, not divided or chewed, with sufficient liquid, with or without meals, preferably mornings and evenings. If pain relief is not adequate, the dose may be increased to 150 mg or 200 mg twice daily. A total daily dose of 400 mg Tramadol SR Biotech should not be exceeded. Dosage intervals can be adjusted to individual requirements but should be at least 8 hours. The lowest analgesically effective dose should generally be selected.

Special populations

Children: On account of the dosage strength, Tramadol SR Biotech is not recommended for children below the age of 12 years.

Elderly: A downward adjustment of the dose and/or prolongation of the interval between doses are recommended in the elderly (over 75 years).

Renal Insufficiency/Dialysis: In patients with renal insufficiency the elimination of tramadol hydrochloride is delayed. In these patients, prolongation of the dosage intervals should be carefully considered according to the patient's requirements. In cases of severe renal insufficiency Tramadol SR Biotech tablets are not recommended.

Patients with hepatic impairment: In patients with hepatic insufficiency the elimination of tramadol hydrochloride is delayed. In these patients, prolongation of the dosage intervals should be carefully considered according to the patient's requirements. In cases of severe hepatic insufficiency Tramadol SR Biotech tablets are not recommended.

Duration of treatment: Under no circumstances should Tramadol SR Biotech be given for longer than absolutely necessary. If the nature and severity of the disease requires long-term pain treatment, careful checks should be carried out initially and at regular intervals to assess efficacy and adverse events, and to what extent further treatment with Tramadol SR Biotech is necessary.

Method of administration: For oral use.

• Known hypersensitivity to tramadol hydrochloride or opioids or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
• In acute intoxication with alcohol, hypnotics, analgesics, opioids or psychotropic medicines.
• It should not be administered to patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or within two weeks of their withdrawal.
• Tramadol SR Biotech should not be given to patients with epilepsy.
• Tramadol SR Biotech must not be used for narcotic withdrawal treatment.
• Tramadol SR Biotech should not be given to patients with respiratory depression, or in the presence of cyanosis and excessive bronchial secretions.
• Tramadol SR Biotech should not be given to patients with increased intracranial pressure or central nervous depression due to head injury or cerebral disease.
• Tramadol SR Biotech should not be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women (see section 4.6).
• All children younger than 12 years of age (see section 4.4).
• Postoperative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

Tramadol SR Biotech should not be used in opioid-dependent patients, patients with head injury, shock, a reduced level of consciousness of uncertain origin, disorders of the respiratory centre or function, increased intracranial pressure (see section 4.3).

In patients sensitive to opiates Tramadol 100 SR Biotech should only be used with caution.

Respiratory depression may develop if the recommended dosages are exceeded, or other centrally depressant medicines are given concomitantly (see section 4.5).

Concomitant use of tramadol and sedating medicines such as benzodiazepines or related substances, may result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Because of these risks, concomitant prescribing with these sedating medicines should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatment options are not possible. If a decision is made to prescribe tramadol concomitantly with sedating medicines, the lowest effective dose of tramadol such as Tramadol 100 SR Biotech should be used, and the duration of the concomitant treatment should be as short as possible. The patients should be monitored closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. It is strongly recommended that patients and their caregivers are informed to be aware of these symptoms (see section 4.5).

Tramadol SR Biotech should not be used in the treatment of minor pain.

Tramadol SR Biotech should be used with caution in patients with impairment of hepatic and renal function and in patients prone to convulsive disorders or in shock (see section 4.2).

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving tramadol at the recommended dose levels. The risk may be increased when doses of Tramadol SR Biotech exceed the recommended upper daily dose limit (400 mg) or in patients taking tricyclic anti-depressants or other tricyclic compounds e.g., promethazine, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, MAO-inhibitors and neuroleptics. The risk of seizures may also be increased in patients with epilepsy; with a history of seizures or in patients with a recognised risk for seizures e.g., drug and alcohol withdrawal, intracranial infections, head trauma, metabolic disorders and naloxone administration with Tramadol SR Biotech overdose.

Tolerance, psychic and physical dependence may develop, especially after long-term use. Tramadol 100 SR Biotech can reinstate physical dependence in patients that have been previously dependent or chronically using other opioids. In patients with a tendency to drug abuse, a history of drug dependence or who are chronically using opioids, treatment with Tramadol SR Biotech is not recommended.

A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.

Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.

Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly.

When a patient no longer requires therapy with Tramadol SR Biotech, it may be advisable to taper the dose gradually to prevent symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome similar to those occurring during opiate withdrawal, may occur as follows: agitation, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperkinesia, tremor and gastro-intestinal symptoms.

Other symptoms that have been seen with tramadol discontinuation include panic attacks, severe anxiety, hallucinations, paraesthesia, tinnitus and unusual central nervous system (CNS) symptoms (i.e., confusion, delusions, depersonalisation, derealisation, paranoia).

Opioid induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a paradoxical response to an opioid in which there is an increase in pain perception despite stable or increased opioid exposure. It differs from tolerance, in which higher opioid doses are required to achieve the same analgesic effect or treat recurring pain. OIH may manifest as increased levels of pain, more generalised pain (i.e., less focal), or pain from ordinary (i.e., non-painful) stimuli (allodynia) with no evidence of disease progression. When OIH is suspected, the dose of opioid should be reduced or tapered off, if possible.

CYP2D6 metabolism: Tramadol, as contained in Tramadol SR Biotech, is metabolised by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. If a patient has a deficiency or is completely lacking this enzyme an adequate analgesic effect may not be obtained. However, if the patient is an ultra-rapid metaboliser there is a risk of developing side effects of opioid toxicity even at commonly prescribed doses. General symptoms of opioid toxicity include confusion, somnolence, shallow breathing, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, constipation and lack of appetite. In severe cases this may include symptoms of circulatory and respiratory depression, which may be life-threatening and very rarely fatal.

Tramadol SR Biotech should not be combined with MAO inhibitors within 14 days of withdrawal of MAO inhibitors (see section 4.3). In patients treated with MAO inhibitors in the 14 days prior to the use of the opioid pethidine, life-threatening interactions on the central nervous system, respiratory and cardiovascular function have been observed. The same interactions with MAO inhibitors cannot be ruled out during treatment with Tramadol SR Biotech.

Concomitant administration of Tramadol SR Biotech with other centrally depressant medicines including alcohol may potentiate the central nervous system effects (see section 4.3). The concomitant use of opioids with sedating medicines such as benzodiazepines or related substances increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death because of additive CNS depressant effect. The dose of tramadol and the duration of the concomitant use should be limited (see section 4.4).

The results of pharmacokinetic studies have so far shown that on the concomitant or previous administration of cimetidine (enzyme inhibitor) clinically relevant interactions are unlikely to occur. Simultaneous or previous administration of carbamazepine (enzyme inducer) may reduce the analgesic effect and shorten the duration of action.

Tramadol SR Biotech can induce convulsions and increase the potential for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics and other seizure threshold-lowering medicine (such as bupropion, mirtazapine, tetrahydrocannabinol) to cause convulsions. Concomitant therapeutic use of Tramadol SR Biotech and serotonergic medicines, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), MAO inhibitors (see section 4.3), tricyclic antidepressants and mirtazapine may cause serotonin toxicity. Serotonin syndrome is likely when one of the following is observed:

• Spontaneous clonus
• Inducible or ocular clonus with agitation or diaphoresis
• Tremor and hyperreflexia
• Hypertonia and body temperature > 38 u02daC and inducible ocular clonus.

Withdrawal of the serotonergic medicines usually brings about a rapid improvement. Treatment depends on the type and severity of the symptoms. Caution should be exercised during concomitant treatment with Tramadol SR Biotech and warfarin-like medicines due to reports of increased INR with major bleeding and ecchymoses in some patients. Other active substances known to inhibit CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole and erythromycin, might inhibit the metabolism of tramadol (N-demethylation) probably also the metabolism of the active O-demethylated metabolite. The clinical importance of such an interaction has not been studied (see section 4.8).

The antiemetic 5-HT3 antagonist ondansetron increased the requirement of tramadol in patients with postoperative pain. Tramadol SR Biotech may decrease the antiemetic efficacy of ondansetron.

Women of child-bearing potential/ Contraception in males and females: Patients of child-bearing potential should be advised to use effective contraception while on treatment.

Pregnancy: Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, therefore Tramadol SR Biotech tablets should not be used in pregnant women. Tramadol crosses the placenta. Animal studies with tramadol revealed effects on organ development, ossification and neonatal mortality. The repeated administration of Tramadol SR Biotech tablets during pregnancy may lead to habituation in the unborn child. The child may experience withdrawal symptoms after birth (see section 4.3).

Breastfeeding: Tramadol as contained in Tramadol SR Biotech passes into breastmilk. Mothers on Tramadol SR Biotech tablets should not breastfeed their infants.

Fertility: Post marketing surveillance does not suggest an effect of tramadol on fertility. Animal studies did not show an effect of tramadol on fertility.

Tramadol SR Biotech may cause effects such as somnolence and dizziness and therefore may impair the reactions of drivers and machine operators. This applies particularly in conjunction with other psychotropic substances, particularly alcohol.

a. Summary of the safety profile: The most frequently reported adverse reaction during treatment with tramadol are nausea and dizziness.

b. Tabulated summary of adverse reactions

System organ class Frequency

• Immune system disorders: Less frequent - Allergic reactions (e.g., dyspnoea, bronchospasm, wheezing, angioneurotic oedema) and anaphylaxis
• Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Less frequent - Changes in appetite; Frequency unknown - Hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia, Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
• Psychiatric disorders: Less frequent - Hallucinations, confusion, sleep disturbance, delirium, anxiety and nightmares. Psychic adverse reactions may occur following administration of Tramadol SR Biotech which vary individually in intensity and nature (depending on personality and duration of treatment). 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).
• Frequency unknown - Drug dependence may occur.
• Nervous system disorders: Frequent - Dizziness, headache, somnolence; Less frequent - Speech disorders, paraesthesia, tremor, epileptiform convulsions*, involuntary muscle contractions, abnormal coordination, syncope; Frequency unknown - Serotonin syndrome
• Eye disorders: Less frequent - Miosis, mydriasis, blurred vision
• Cardiac disorders: Less frequent - Dysrhythmias, palpitation, tachycardia, bradycardia
• Vascular disorders: Less frequent - Postural hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, increase in blood pressure
• Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: Less frequent - Dyspnoea, respiratory depression, bronchospasm; Frequency unknown - Hiccups, worsening of asthma
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Frequent - Nausea, constipation, dry mouth, vomiting; Less frequent - Retching; gastrointestinal discomfort (a feeling of pressure in the stomach, bloating), diarrhoea
• Hepato-biliary disorders: Less frequent - Increase in transaminases (ALT and AST) is expected
• Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Frequent - Hyperhidrosis; Less frequent - Dermal reactions (e.g., pruritus, rash, urticaria); Frequency unknown - Stevens Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders: Less frequent - Muscular weakness
• Renal and urinary disorders: Less frequent - Micturition disorders (dysuria and urinary retention)
• General disorders and administration site conditions: Frequent - Fatigue; Less frequent - Drug withdrawal syndrome

* Convulsions occurred mainly after administration of high doses of tramadol or after concomitant treatment with medicines which can lower the seizure threshold (see sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions: Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicine is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicine. Healthcare providers are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions to SAHPRA via the u201c6.04 Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Formu201d, found online under SAHPRAu2019s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8

Symptoms: Following an overdose with Tramadol SR Biotech, symptoms similar to those of other centrally acting analgesics (opioids) are to be expected. These include in particular constriction of the pupil of the eye, vomiting, cardiovascular collapse, consciousness disorders, coma, convulsions, respiratory depression and respiratory arrest.

Treatment: The general emergency measures apply. Keep open the respiratory tract, prevent aspiration, maintain respiration and circulation depending on the symptoms. Suitable measures should be taken to avoid aspiration dangers. Respiratory depression can be antagonised with a pure opiate antagonist (naloxone). Convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam.

In cases of overdosage with oral formulations, gastrointestinal-decontamination with activated charcoal is only recommended within 2 hours after Tramadol SR Biotech intake. Gastrointestinal decontamination at a later time point may be useful in case of overdosage with exceptionally large quantities. Tramadol is minimally eliminated from the serum by haemodialysis or haemofiltration. Therefore, treatment of acute intoxication with Tramadol SR Biotech with haemodialysis or haemofiltration alone is not suitable for detoxification.