2.1 General Dosing Considerations
Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release is an extended-release formulation intended for once a day dosing in adults aged 18 years and older. The tablets must be swallowed whole with liquid and must not be split, chewed, dissolved or crushed. Chewing, crushing or splitting the tablet could result in the uncontrolled delivery of tramadol, in overdose and death [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.11), DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE (9), and OVERDOSE (10.1)].
Do not administer Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release at a dose exceeding 300 mg per day. Do not use Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release more than once daily or concomitantly with other tramadol products [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.12)].
2.2 Patients Not Currently on Tramadol Immediate-Release Products
Initiate treatment with Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release at a dose of 100 mg once daily and titrated up as necessary to 150 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg every five days to achieve a balance between relief of pain and tolerability.
2.3 Patients Currently on Tramadol Immediate-Release Products
Calculate the 24-hour tramadol IR dose and initiate a total daily dose of Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release rounded down to the next lowest 100 mg increment. The dose may subsequently be individualized according to patient need. Due to limitations in flexibility of dose selection with Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release, some patients maintained on tramadol IR products may not be able to convert to Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release.
2.4 Patients 65 Years of Age and Older
Initiate dosing of an elderly patient (over 65 years of age) should be initiated cautiously, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release should be administered with even greater caution in patients over 75 years, due to the greater frequency of adverse events seen in this population.
2.5 Patients with Renal Impairment
The limited availability of dose strengths and once daily dosing of Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release do not permit the dosing flexibility required for safe use in patients with severe renal impairment. Do not use Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release in patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.6) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
2.6 Patients with Hepatic Impairment
The limited availability of dose strengths and once daily dosing of tramadol hydrochloride extended-release capsules do not permit the dosing flexibility required for safe use in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Do not use Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.7) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].
2.7 Discontinuation of Treatment
Withdrawal symptoms may occur if Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release is discontinued abruptly. Clinical experience with tramadol suggests that withdrawal symptoms may be reduced by tapering Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.10) and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE (9.3)].
2.8 Food Effects
Tramadol Hydrochloride Extended-Release may be taken without regard to food [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)].