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The analgesic tramadol has minimal effect on gastrointestinal motor function
1Gastrointestinal Unit, Beau-Site Hospital, Berne, Switzerland.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Tramadol, a pain reliever, minimally impacts upper gastrointestinal transit and gut muscle tone. This study found it has a slight delaying effect on colonic transit in healthy volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Tramadol is an analgesic with opioid agonist and monoaminergic reuptake inhibitor properties.
- Its effect on gastrointestinal (GI) motor function is less understood compared to other opioids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of tramadol on GI motor function variables.
- To compare tramadol's impact on GI transit and anal sphincter pressure against a placebo.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving 10 healthy volunteers.
- Participants received tramadol (50 mg) or placebo four times daily for 10 days.
- Measurements included oro-caecal transit time (lactulose H2-breath test), colonic transit time (solid markers), and anal sphincter pressures.
Main Results:
- Tramadol did not significantly alter oro-caecal transit time compared to placebo.
- A non-significant increase in total colonic transit time was observed with tramadol.
- Anal sphincter resting pressures remained unchanged by tramadol administration.
Conclusions:
- Tramadol exhibits a minor delaying effect on colonic transit but does not affect upper GI transit or gut smooth muscle tone.
- Tramadol may be a suitable analgesic option when minimizing interference with gut motor function is a priority.