Tramadol

Tramadol is a synthetic codeine analog which acts centrally as a µ-opiod agonist and inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.1 First synthesized in 1962, tramadol has been used in Germany to control pain in humans since 1977 and in 1995 was finally approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.2 Currently tramadol is widely used as an oral analgesic for veterinary patients, especially dogs with an ever increasing application for companion exotic animals. However, the pharmacology of tramadol is complex with the drug being a racemic compound composed of both + and – enantiomers.
Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research