Avoid Tramadol in Children When Possible

June 2017

You'll hear more warnings about respiratory depression in kids taking tramadol...due to a recent Health Canada safety review.

Tramadol isn't approved for kids under 18 years...but it's sometimes used off-label, particularly after surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids.

Labelling will now warn about respiratory depression in patients who are CYP2D6 "ultrarapid metabolizers." These patients convert tramadol to an active metabolite faster and more completely and may develop toxicity.

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Avoid Tramadol in Children When Possible

Get concise advice on drug therapy, plus unlimited access to CE

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