Determination of risks and benefits of intrathecal tramadol hydrochloride in rabbit

Abstract

In this study 35 male, Albino type, New Zelland rabbits were used. The rabbits were divided in to 5 groups. A, B, C and D groups were administrated to intrathecally single dose 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg tramadol hydrochloride respectively and also single dose of saline was given intrathecally to the control group. Pain treshold, whether the seizures improved or not, respiratory depression, motor disfunction and sedation grade were evaluated at the intervals of 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 th min. Additionally neurotoxicity was examined histopathologically. It has been detected that tramadol has moderate analgesic potential which starts rapidly, lasts for a short time and depends on the doses. Motor dysfunction and seizures were not observed. Light sedation and respiratory depression were observed at high doses. Neurotoxicity found in all groups except the control group. We conclude that intrathecal tramadol hydrochloride has moderate analgesic effects which lasts for a short time and low incidence of side effects, but it may have toxic effects on the spinal cord.