What is stronger, hydrocodone or tramadol?

Conclusion: Tramadol provides inferior analgesia to hydrocodone-acetaminophen in ED patients with acute musculoskeletal pain.

About this medication

TRAMADOL (TRA ma dole) treats severe, chronic pain. It is prescribed when other pain medications have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It works by blocking pain signals in the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called opioids. This medication is long-acting. Do not use it to treat sudden pain.

How should you use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Do not take it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions–skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
CNS depression–slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, difficulty staying awake
Low adrenal gland function–nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness

What may interact with this medicine?

Our pharmacists will check to see if this medication will cause any interactions with the information in your profile.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:

Linezolid
MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
Methylene blue
Naltrexone
Olanzapine; samidorphan This medication may also interact with the following:
Alcohol
Antibiotics, such as erythromycin or rifampin
Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
Antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
Atropine
Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
Digoxin
Diuretics
Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
Medications that help you fall asleep
Medications that relax muscles
Other opioids
Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
Some medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine
Some medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
Some medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole
Some medications for migraines, such as sumatriptan
Some medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl
Some medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
Some medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine
Some medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
Supplements, such as St. John’s wort
Warfarin Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.