Does Tramadol Have a Role in Pain Control in Palliative Care?

Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2015 Sep;32(6):631-3. doi: 10.1177/1049909114539036. Epub 2014 Jun 16.

Abstract

Background: The effectiveness of the step II of the World Health Organization analgesic ladder including tramadol has been questioned recently.

Methods: Retrospective study of patients treated with tramadol admitted as inpatients to one palliative care unit between November 1, 2009, and October 30, 2012.

Results: In the study period, 730 patients were admitted and 66 (9%) of them met the criteria for inclusion; 45 (68%) continued medication with tramadol until discharge from the unit, while 21 (32%) had to switch to an opioid for moderate to severe pain. The reason for switching was uncontrolled pain in 16 (76%) patients, and for 5 (24%) patients, the switch was made for other reasons.

Conclusion: The data suggest that tramadol may have a role to play in the treatment of pain in palliative care.

Keywords: analgesic ladder; opioids for mild to moderate pain; pain; pain control; palliative care; tramadol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tramadol / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Tramadol