This study evaluates the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the enantiomers of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol (ODM) in generally healthy young and elderly adults. Using a randomised, double-blind, crossover design, participants were administered a single 200mg tramadol extended-release tablet and placebo.
The pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol (ODM) have not been extensively studied in elderly patients. Given the importance of hepatic function in the metabolism of tramadol into the more potent ODM metabolite and the fact that tramadol is primarily renally excreted, age-related changes in hepatic and renal function may affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tramadol. Data on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol, the ODM metabolite and their enantiomers will provide important information as to the source of any differences in the metabolism or elimination of Tramadol Contramid® OAD in the elderly as compared to younger subjects. Differences in the PK of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol could result in differences in Pharmacodynamics of tramadol, specifically in analgesic effect. An Electrically Stimulated Pain Model was used to evaluate any differences in current perception and pain tolerance between the age groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
35
Tramadol extended release 200 mg: Administration of a single 200mg tramadol extended-release tablet
Subjects were evaluated for perception and tolerance of electrical current. An experimentally induced pain model utilizing electrical stimulation from the FDA approved Neurometer, as the painful stimulus was used to assess Current Perception Threshold and Pain Tolerance Threshold (CP/T) in young and elderly subjects following administration of tramadol and of placebo.
Administration of a single placebo tablet identical in appearance to a 200mg tramadol extended-release tablet
To characterise and compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of AUC 0-t, AUCinf, Cmax, tmax, t½, CL/F, Varea/F, Ae 0 48, Rmax and CLr for the enantiomers of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in young and elderly subjects
To characterise and compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of AUC 0-t, AUCinf, Cmax, tmax, t½, CL/F, Varea/F, Ae 0 48, Rmax and CLr for the enantiomers of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol in healthy adult young and elderly subjects. Plasma samples were taken at 16 timepoints throughout 48 hours and evaluated for plasma concentrations of (+)- and (-)- tramadol
Time frame: 48 hours
To characterise and compare threshold of current perception in young and elderly subjects
Healthy adult young and elderly subjects were tested to determine the milliamperes of current that resulted in perception of an electrical stimulus in the non-dominant forefinger at 15 timepoints throughout 30 hours using an electrically stimulated pain model after treatment with active drug and placebo with random assignment of treatment sequence (placebo then tramadol or tramadol then placebo)
Time frame: 30 hours
To characterise and compare threshold of pain tolerance in young and elderly subjects
Healthy adult young and elderly subjects were tested to determine the milliamperes of current they were willing to tolerate at 15 timepoints throughout 30 hours using an electrically stimulated pain model after treatment with active drug and placebo with random assignment of treatment sequence (placebo then tramadol or tramadol then placebo)
Time frame: 30 hours
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