How and when to take tramadol

Swallow each tramadol tablet or capsule whole with a glass of water.

How to take drops

Mix the drops into a glass of water then drink the whole contents of the glass.

How to take soluble tablets

Dissolve each tablet in 50ml of water and drink the whole contents of the glass.

How to take tablets that dissolve in the mouth (orodispersible tablets)

Make sure your hands are dry before handling the tablet. Pop the tablet out of its pack and put it on your tongue. Suck the tablet, do not chew it. After it has melted, swallow or have a drink of water.

You can also dissolve the tablet in a small glass of water if you prefer.

How to take slow-release tablets and capsules

It's important to swallow slow-release tramadol tablets and capsules whole with a drink of water.

Slow-release tablets and capsules release the medicine into your body over either 12 or 24 hours. This type of tramadol takes longer to start working but lasts longer. It's used for severe pain.

Do not break, crush, chew or suck slow-release tablets and capsules. If you do, the slow-release system will not happen and the whole dose might get into your body immediately. This could cause an overdose, which can be dangerous.

When to take it depends on the type of tramadol you have been prescribed:

• standard tablets and capsules – usually 3 to 4 times a day
• drops – usually 3 to 4 times a day
• slow-release tablets and capsules – usually once or twice a day

If you're 65 or over, or you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor may tell you to take tramadol less often.

You can take tramadol at any time of day but try to take it at the same time every day, and space your doses evenly. For example, if you take tramadol twice a day and have your first dose at 8am, take your second dose at 8pm.