Effect of Tramadol/Acetaminophen Combination Tablets in the Treatment of Chronic Pain

Baek, Seung Hoon; Kim, Chul Hong; Kim, Kyung Hoon; Shin, Sang Wook; Kim, Hae Kyu; Baik, Seong Wan

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a tramadol/acetaminophen combination tablet in chronic pain management. METHODS: Two hundred fifty five adult patients, suffering from chronic pain, were administered tramadol/acetaminophen combination tablets for at least 4 weeks. The analgesic effect from the start to the finish of the study was evaluated by a numeric rating scale (NRS, from 0 to 10). The pain relief score was also recorded (initial NRS-final NRS), which was allocated as follows: no change (0 or aggravation), moderate (1 2), notable (3 4) or significant pain relief (5 or more). The usefulness of the tramadol/acetaminophen combination tablet was rated according to the NRS, the pain relief score, the appearance of side effect and the patient's response, and categorized as not useful, useful or very useful. RESULTS: The mean NRS score decreased from 6.1 to 3.5. The pain relief scores were no relief, moderate relief notable relief, significant relief and not assessed in 17, 108, 95, 23 and 3, respectively. Side effects developed in only 5.7% of the 246 patients. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that tramadol/acetaminophen combination tablet therapy had an additive effect in the treatment of chronic pain management when combined with other analgesics.