Interactions in the antinociceptive effect of tramadol in mice: an isobolographic analysis

Tramadol is a widely-used analgesic for pre- and post-operative pain which has a different pharmacological profile to that of classical opioids, since it does not induce respiratory depression, constipation, sedation, tolerance or dependence. However, tramadol frequently produces nausea and vomiting as side-effects. In the present study, the interactions between tramadol and several adrenergic and serotonergic compounds with antinociceptive activity were studied by isobolographic analysis. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using the acetic acid writhing test in mice. Dose-response curves for the antinociceptive effect of tramadol, prazosin, clonidine, xylamine, clomipramine and cyproheptadine were obtained, and ED(50)s were calculated for isobolographic analysis, which was performed by administration of fixed-ratios of tramadol with each of these drugs, given both systemically and intrathecally. The isobolograms of all combinations tested, either systemically or intrathecally showed superadditivity. The synergies observed with these combinations suggest a complex modulation of the descending noradrenergic and serotonergic systems that exert inhibitory influences on the transmission of nociceptive information, probably in addition to effects on receptors in the primary neurons of the spinal cord. The co-administration of analgesic drugs that produce superadditive effects constitutes a significant new avenue for the treatment of pain, since a similar level of antinociception can be obtained with considerable reductions in the dose of each analgesic. Copyright 1998 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain.