Nasal Tramadol delivery system: A new approach for improved pain therapy

Abstract

Abstract The present work investigates Tramadol nasal delivery for effective analgesia with a rapid onset of action. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of Tramadol, a non-opiate analgesic drug, following its administration to rodents from a nasal delivery system was compared to oral aqueous solution. Following Tramadol nasal administration in animals at a dose of 10 mg/kg, a C max value of 2421 ± 651 ng/ml was obtained as compared to a four time lower value after oral delivery (644 ± 349 ng/ml). The high plasma concentration was achieved at 10 min ( t max ), indicating a rapid systemic absorption of the drug. Tramadol nasal delivery system treatment in animal Writhing model at a relative low dose of only 5 mg/kg significantly increased the analgesic effect, as compared to the oral administration, both 30 min before and immediately with pain induction. The local safety of Tramadol nasal system was good with no histological or nasal cavity changes. The outcomes of this work are that nasal administration of Tramadol could improve pain therapy and shorten its onset of action. The treatment by the nasal pathway could overcome the side effects associated with parenteral and oral delivery. Furthermore, due to the rapid and efficient delivery of the drug to the blood, nasal administration of Tramadol could be considered for the treatment of breakthrough pain.