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Tramadol Dosage Calculator

Created by Łucja Zaborowska, MD, PhD candidate
Reviewed by Steven Wooding
Based on research by
McCarberg B. Tramadol extended-release in the management of chronic pain; Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management; 2007See 1 more source
Lee, C. R., McTavish, D., Sorkin, E. M. Tramadol. A preliminary review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in acute and chronic pain states; Drugs; 1993
Last updated: Jun 05, 2023


It doesn't matter whether it's chronic or acute pain - our tramadol dosage calculator is here to help. This simple tool calculates the proper tramadol dosage in milligrams, considering your age, indication (the reason for use), and the state of your health. 💊

Keep scrolling to discover something new about opioids and find out the tramadol dosage for arthritis, back pain, or other chronic and acute complaints.

Remember - tramadol is a controlled drug and shouldn't be used without any clinical consultation. This tool cannot replace actual medical advice.

What is tramadol used for?

Tramadol is a type of an oral opioid drug - it belongs to the weak opioids group, and it's ten times less effective than morphine. Tramadol is less addictive than most opioids, and it's due to its dual mechanism of action - it both accelerates and slows down the reactions that are responsible for its analgesic (painkilling) properties.

To learn more about equivalent doses of analgesic drugs, including morphine, visit Omni opioid conversion calculator and MME calculator, respectively.

💡 Ceiling effect is one of the tramadol's characteristics, because of its dual nature of action - when you exceed a given dose of the medication, the analgesic effect surprisingly decreases, instead of increasing!

  • Tramadol is mostly used for pain - both chronic and acute.
  • It can also be used in a replacement therapy for people addicted to opiates.
  • Tramadol is often abused - both by oral intake and inhalation.

How long does it take for tramadol to work?

Tramadol starts working after 15-30 minutes.

What are the bad side effects of tramadol? ☠️

Tramadol's side effects include:

  • Severe constipation;
  • Seizures;
  • Sweating;
  • Addiction; and
  • Allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock.

In combination with other drugs:

  • Possibly fatal respiratory depression - insufficient number of breath, cessation of breathing
  • Serotonin syndrome

🔎 Do you suspect you may have a possible dependence on drugs? Learn more about addiction with the DUDIT calculator and the addiction calculator.

Tramadol - routes of administration

Tramadol can be taken by the mouth (tablets), rectum, with an injection, or by using solution & drops.

The typical unit used for tramadol is mg (milligram).

This drug is available in the following forms:

  1. Immediate-release tablets - IR

    • 50 mg/tablet - most common brand name: Ultram.
  2. Extended-release tablets - ER

    • 100 mg/tablet
    • 150 mg/tablet
    • 200 mg/tablet
    • 300 mg/tablet
  3. Solutions/drops 💧

    • 100 mg/mL - this form is recommended for use in children.

What dosage does tramadol come in?

This part will slowly guide you through tramadol for pain dosage regimens for people aged 17-75.

  1. Acute pain 💣

    The most common tramadol dosage is 50 mg of an immediate-release tablet, taken every 4-6 hours (4-6 times per day).

    When the treatment is not satisfactory, you may increase the dose to 100 mg/dose, but you cannot exceed a maximum of 400 mg per day.

  2. Chronic pain 🔨

    Chronic pain - a kind of pain that usually lasts longer than 6 months; e.g., tramadol for back pain dosage regimens.

    The typical dosage is 100 mg per day, usually taken as an extended-release tablet once per day.

    You may increase the tramadol dose every 5 days, but you cannot exceed a maximum of 300 mg per day.

❗ In case of liver/kidney insufficiency, the dose should be lowered, and the gaps between the doses should be prolonged. Consult your doctor about your individual dosing.

  1. Tramadol recreational dosage

    You shouldn't try it. Seriously. Don't.

How to calculate the tramadol dosage for kids?

Although the FDA warns against tramadol use in children, such an indication is allowed in different countries worldwide. Check with your doctor about local laws in your area, indications, safety of use, and individual doses. This calculation should serve only to double-checking the information.

  • Recommended dose for children: 1-2 mg/kg/dose;

  • Maximum dose: 8 mg/kg/day .

You can calculate the dose of tramadol for children using the following equation:

Tramadol dosage (mg) = Weight (kg) * Dose,

where:

  • Weight means your child's weight in kg; and
  • Dose can be equal to either 1 or 2 mg.
Łucja Zaborowska, MD, PhD candidate
Age
17-75 years
Kidney/ liver insufficiency?
No
Dosage for:
Chronic pain
Tablets strength
100 mg
Desired daily dosage:
mg
Number of tablets needed:
#
💊 Recommended dose: 100 mg/day.

You may add extra 100 mg every 5 days, till the painkilling effect is satisfactory.

Maximum dose: 300 mg/day.
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