Tramadol - can't swallow capsule, can I dilute in water?

Continue breaking them until they're really small?

They can also prescribe rectal suppositories of some narcotic meds. I don't know about tramadol, but if this patient needs pain meds for lung cancer, I certainly would ask for something stronger than tramadol. Maybe morphine...

This is not a strong enough pain medicine for end stage cancer. I can't believe he is getting pain relief. I've seen huge amounts of morphine or strong fentanyl patches for cancer pain. If its immediate release tramadol, I don't see a problem with dissolving it but if its extended release, it will destroy that quality.

Hi Santiago - Is this person a relative of yours? Is this person "home"? If you are a caregiver but not the relative... I would be asking relatives to get the doctor to prescribe something that the patient can actually take or a visiting nurse can inject. Not sure why tramadol is being prescribed to someone who has lung cancer? This should be the time for the patient to come first and the needs of the patient met - that means COMFORT first and foremost. Perhaps this person is among those who do not want narcotics. I have known people who died from lung cancer who didn't want ANY medications. This person who comes to mind... wanted to experience what it was like and to tell another person who was the caregiver and his friend so that a book could be written about his life.

Personally, I cannot imagine living like that and I hope you will do what is necessary for this person who is suffering. I apologize for the vagueness here but there is a lot of information missing that is begging for answers.

Mary

Hi, in my opinion Tramadol are a good analgesic, but as the last 2 posters have commented, it maybe isn't sufficient for this kind of pain relief. My grandmother died slowly in hospital due to multiple cancer of her organs. They had her on IV free-flow Morphine as well as other drugs. The downside of this though is that she wasn't very cohearent(sp?) for the last days of her life. But you need to weigh up the pro's & con's of this...

I agree ultram would not b my drug of choice for end stage lung cancer, im a nurse. Also morphine can be given subcutaneously, with small insulin syringe. But my question also is y ultram, there r other better more effective pain meds, which can b more easily given, you may want to ask the md.

So sorry to hear, but my concern is if the patient is getting adequate pain control!!! Tramadol isn't known for really severe pain control, esp. end stage cancer!! I would ask about liquid morphine, which can be placed against the cheek, and it gets dissolved by the mucous membranes. Both my mother and in law who died from cancer had this medication prescribed for the, and I am simply flabbergasted that this is the med that a doctor chooses for end stage??? What are they worried about, that the patient might get addicted?? Sorry, but since this has happened so close to me, I am very sensitive about the subject.

Best of luck to your patient, that they may go peacefully, and OUT OF PAIN!!!

This is a certainly a question for the physician with whom this individual is being cared for. I am sure there are solid options that go beyond what can be made up or guessed at with such a toll of discernment. Please inquire as to those closest so as not to take any unnecessary risks. Hope this helps.

Ask the Dr. about tramadol orally disintegrating tablets, they dissolve in the mouth.

Read more at:

https://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html

All the best,

maso.-