Tramadol 75mg Formulation Availability
Tramadol does not come in a 75mg single-dose formulation, but 75mg total daily dosing can be achieved through divided dosing of available strengths. 1
Available Tramadol Formulations
The FDA-approved formulations of tramadol include: 1
- Immediate-release: 50mg capsules, 100mg/mL oral drops
- Extended-release tablets: 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 300mg
- Sustained-release capsules: 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg
No 75mg single-unit formulation exists in any FDA-approved product. 1
Clinical Context for 75mg Dosing
The 75mg dose mentioned in clinical studies refers to single-dose pain relief studies, not a commercially available tablet strength. 1 In FDA trials, 75mg was administered as a research dose to evaluate analgesic efficacy between 50mg and 100mg strengths, demonstrating pain relief in some patients following surgical procedures. 1
Achieving 75mg Total Daily Dose
For elderly patients or those requiring gradual titration, 75mg daily can be achieved by administering 25mg every 8 hours using split 50mg tablets. 2 This approach is specifically recommended for:
- Patients over 75 years of age 2
- Initial dose escalation from 50mg daily (25mg every 12 hours) 2
- Patients with hepatic impairment 2
Practical Dosing Algorithm
Start with 25mg every 12 hours (50mg total daily), then after 3-5 days increase to 25mg every 8 hours (75mg total daily) if tolerated. 2 This requires splitting 50mg immediate-release tablets.
Standard Dosing Progression:
- Initial: 50-100mg every 4-6 hours as needed (immediate-release) 2
- Maximum daily: 400mg for immediate-release, 300mg for extended-release 2
- Elderly maximum: 300mg daily 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not assume a 75mg tablet exists when prescribing. Pharmacies cannot dispense a non-existent strength. If 75mg daily dosing is desired, explicitly prescribe "tramadol 50mg, take half tablet every 8 hours" or use alternative dosing schedules with available strengths. 1, 2