Many times while playing children suffer from minor injuries and scrapes yet this stumbling is a part of the process of growing up. Each time the child fall they learn the art of getting up and starting again without disappointment or dependency on others. Parents often are suggested to keep a primary first aid kit at home to be administered when the need arises. Pain medicines are a big concern for every parent since not all medicines suit the child and giving more than the required dosage may cause multiple side effects. Tramadol is one such painkiller that raises the many questions in the mind of parents in regards to its usage. Here is a list of some of the most crucial questions that parents must be aware of before administering any medicines to their kids.
Tramadol Dosage Guide With Precautions
What is the composition of the medicine tramadol?
Before prescribing any medicine to the patients, the doctors generally study the composition of the medicines to avoid any known allergic reaction. Tramadol is a synthetic pain relieving medicine and is also known as Opioid Analgesic. It is introduced in the market by the company Ultram and many more. Tramadol is a mixture of two isomers normally with a high affinity. It has in it dimethylaminomethyl and methoxyphenyl to form the adequate product.
When is tramadol used?
Tramadol is used to treat mild to intense and severe pain conditions. It can also be prescribed for the treatment of acute or chronic diseases. Tramadol has a diluted effect on the body as morphine would have had and can be used to mildly numb the affected area. Its effect lasts for as long as to 6hours after consumption. It takes around one hour after intake to give the desired result. As a result of its mild consistency and relatively diluted format it is safe for children in a regulated dosage. For example situations like these will demand the use of this medicine.
- If the child suffers from body ache after a rigorous playing are activity session.
- If the pain is recurring and continues to remain the same in intensity then the medicine can be used
What age group can be given this medicine?
Tramadol has a similar effect on the body as many narcotics. Therefore Tramadol is prescribed for children of the age group between 16-17 years. A study was previously conducted in Iran where the doctors gave tramadol to children between the age of 2-7 only as morphine after operations or severely trauma. The fact that tramadol is merely one- tenth of morphine clearly displays the intensity of the medicine. Another study in Finland gave the medicine to infants between 1-3 years of age but only for post-operative pain. Thus children below the age of 16 cannot be given this medicine until there is a case of severe trauma.
What is the dosage value?
Tramadol is effective for 6 hours but it must be noted that children cannot be given the same more than twice in a span of 24 hours. One tablet is effective can be helpful for the child. If the child continues to experience unregulated pain a doctor’s visit is a must but a common known remedy regarding tramadol is that it can be given as far as four times a day for adults but not more than twice for kids. Depending on the scale of pain that the child is going through once a day medicine is considered as the safest. The medicine is to be given at the same time for some days for best results.
Is it available in syrup?
At times people fail to swallow capsules and tablets because of their aversion to medicines or the lack of knowledge of the appropriate method that eventually increases the risk of choking. Tramadol is available in the form of syrup, soluble tablets as well as capsules bought and sold as per the patient’s demand. Soluble tablets and syrups are the best for children since it does not have too bitter a taste and ingested easily. Or dispersible tables are also a good alternative for taking these medicines as they can be chewed till they dissolve.
What are the side effects of tramadol?
Tramadol though is a strong curing agent yet it has multiple side effects in both children and adults. It causes;
- Constipation in young children and prolonged consumption may cause minor stomach aches.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sense of imbalance
- Indigestion and acidity
- Agitation and anxiety
- Itching and rashes
Some side effects of the medicine are rare but are strong in intensity caused due to prolonged consumption. Convulsions and shortness of breath is the most common example of the same.
When can the medicine be given?
Any medicine is it a common cold medicine should be given on a full stomach to the child. This reduces the risk of possible side effects and increases the durability of the medicine. If the child is taking any other medicine from beforehand, the commencement of tramadol must not be clubbed with it. Parent must make sure that they consult their paediatricians before mingling any two medicines for the child. It is important to note that tramadol should not be given to the child before going to the school since it causes sleepiness and dizziness. This will not only lead to obstructed learning but will cause headaches and irritant nature in the child.
Is there any warning to be kept in mind while taking this medicine?
Overdose is the biggest risk factor for any medicine. The biggest risk of overdosing on tramadol is seizures in all age groups. Teenagers are noted to grow an addiction for this medicine. It is to be kept in mind that tramadol must especially not be clubbed with antibiotics, migraine medication or any anti-depressants.
Thus unlike other medicines that form a part of the first aid kit, Tramadol cannot be given to children without the knowledge of the doctor keeping in mind it’s heavy side effects.
