Skip to main content

REVIEW article

Front. Pharmacol., 05 March 2018
Sec. Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics

When the Safe Alternative Is Not That Safe: Tramadol Prescribing in Children

\r\nFrdrique RodieuxFrédérique Rodieux1Laszlo Vutskits,,Laszlo Vutskits2,3,4Klara M. Posfay-BarbeKlara M. Posfay-Barbe5Walid Habre,Walid Habre4,6Valrie PiguetValérie Piguet1Jules A. Desmeules,Jules A. Desmeules1,7Caroline F. Samer*Caroline F. Samer1*
  • 1Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • 3Department of Basic Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • 4Division of Anesthesiology, Unit for Pediatric Anesthesia, Children’s Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • 5Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Geneva, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • 6Anesthesiological Investigations Unit, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • 7School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland

Children represent a vulnerable population in which management of nociceptive pain is complex. Drug responses in children differ from adults due to age-related differences. Moreover, therapeutic choices are limited by the lack of indication for a number of analgesic drugs due to the challenge of conducting clinical trials in children. Furthermore the assessment of efficacy as well as tolerance may be complicated by children’s inability to communicate properly. According to the World Health Organization, weak opioids such as tramadol and codeine, may be used in addition to paracetamol and ibuprofen for moderate nociceptive pain in both children and adults. However, codeine prescription has been restricted for the last 5 years in children because of the risk of fatal overdoses linked to the variable activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 which bioactivates codeine. Even though tramadol has been considered a safe alternative to codeine, it is well established that tramadol pharmacodynamic opioid effects, efficacy and safety, are also largely influenced by CYP2D6 activity. For this reason, the US Food and Drug Administration recently released a boxed warning regarding the use of tramadol in children. To provide safe and effective tramadol prescription in children, a personalized approach, with dose adaptation according to CYP2D6 activity, would certainly be the safest method. We therefore recommend this approach in children requiring chronic or recurrent nociceptive pain treatment with tramadol. In case of acute inpatients nociceptive pain management, prescribing tramadol at the minimal effective dose, in a child appropriate dosage form and after clear instructions are given to the parents, remains reasonable based on current data. In all other situations, morphine should be preferred for moderate to severe nociceptive pain conditions.

Introduction

Effective pain management in children is essential but various factors make it difficult to achieve. The assessment of the analgesic efficacy as well as the toxicity are challenging because of the difficulty to communicate with small children. Furthermore, medication responses in children may differ from adults due to drug metabolism, ontogeny, and other-age related differences. Finally, therapeutic choices are limited by the lack of indication for a number of analgesic drugs due to the challenges to conduct clinical pharmacology studies in children and the little interest of the pharmaceutical industry.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other pediatric associations and academies have released guidelines on the management of nociceptive pain in children. The top 3 medications’ recommendations in children are paracetamol, ibuprofen, and opioids: non-opioids for mild nociceptive pain; non-opioids + weak opioids for moderate nociceptive pain and non-opioids + strong opioids for severe nociceptive pain. Codeine and tramadol are the only two opioids classified as weak opioids. In most countries, they do not require a restricted medical drug prescription and as “weak” opioids, they are often considered to have a lower potential for adverse drug reactions (ADR) than “strong” opioids.

Although mostly safe in adults and in children, neither paracetamol, ibuprofen, nor opioids are exempt from ADR and toxicity (Drendel et al., 2009). Since 2012, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have addressed safety concerns regarding codeine-containing drugs, due to life-threatening and fatal respiratory problems.

Codeine is a prodrug, that needs to be bioactivated. Its therapeutic effect relies on the fraction metabolized into morphine via the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, a polymorphic enzyme known for its great interindividual variability in activity. In CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizers (UM), the morphine-metabolized fraction can be much higher than average and lead to overdoses despite normal therapeutic doses intake (Kirchheiner et al., 2007; Crews et al., 2014). Both agencies now recommend avoiding codeine in children younger than 12 years regardless of the indication, and up to the age of 18 in patients undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnea, as well as in breastfeeding mothers (European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee [PRAC], 2015; US Food and Drug Administration, 2017).

Following this contraindication, tramadol replaced codeine in the analgesia management protocols as a substitute weak opioid in pediatrics. Tramadol is, however, another prodrug for its opioid activity metabolized by CYP2D6. Unlike the EMA, the FDA recently released a boxed warning regarding the use of tramadol in children who are obese, or have obstructive sleep apnea or severe lung disease, and made recommendations not to use tramadol in children younger than 12 years and in children younger than 18 years after ear-nose-and-throat (ENT) surgery (US Food and Drug Administration, 2017).

In order to better understand, in light of current concerns, whether tramadol is a safe alternative to codeine, this article aims to review tramadol pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety issues in children and to draw recommendations as well as suitable alternatives to decrease risks of ADR when treating moderate to severe nociceptive pain in children.

History of Tramadol

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid designed in 1962 and marketed as Tramal® in 1977 by Grunenthal GmbH. The total number of prescriptions per year in the United States in 2013 was estimated to be more than 44 million, making tramadol one of the most prescribed opioids (Patterson, 2017). Its labeled indication in adults is the treatment of moderate to severe nociceptive pain, whether acute or chronic. In children, tramadol’s labeled indication is not unanimous and varies from country to country. In Europe, tramadol is approved and licensed for use in children over 1–3 years of age, depending on the countries, for moderate to severe nociceptive pain management. In the United States, tramadol is only approved for children older than 17 years of age, but appears to be regularly used nevertheless (Friedrichsdorf et al., 2015; Stassinos et al., 2017). Despite a lack of precise data, it is recognized that its prescription has increased in children after codeine was contraindicated (Mahic et al., 2015).

Pharmacokinetics

The PK of tramadol is well described in adults (Gong et al., 2014). However, as for many drugs, the PK of tramadol may not be simply extrapolated from the adult’s data due to ontogeny and other age-related differences (Kearns et al., 2003; Funk et al., 2012; Lu and Rosenbaum, 2014; Batchelor and Marriott, 2015; Allegaert et al., 2017). Although still limited, several studies have been carried out in children of different ages to assess its PK profile (Murthy et al., 2000; Payne et al., 2002; Allegaert et al., 2005, 2015; Garrido et al., 2006; Saudan and Habre, 2007; Vandenbossche et al., 2015).

After oral administration, tramadol is rapidly absorbed with a bioavailability of 75% in adults. Although estimated to be lower in neonates and small infants, tramadol’s bioavailability has not been clearly determined in children (Payne et al., 2002; Vandenbossche et al., 2015). Tramadol is rapidly distributed in the body, exhibits a limited protein binding of 20% and has an estimated volume of distribution of 2.7 L/kg in adults (Allegaert et al., 2015; Vazzana et al., 2015; Miotto et al., 2017). Due to age-modification in body composition, its volume of distribution is larger in children, particularly in preterm neonates where it is close to 4 L/kg (Allegaert et al., 2005, 2015; Saudan and Habre, 2007). Tramadol is extensively metabolized in the liver by O- and N-demethylations and by conjugation to form metabolites such as glucuronides and sulfates. The O-demethylation is mediated by CYP2D6 and converts tramadol to its main active metabolite, O-desmethyltramadol (M1). The N-demethylation to N-desmethyltramadol (M2) is catalyzed by CYP3A4 (major) and CYP2B6 (Figure 1; Gong et al., 2014). M1 is inactivated by glucuronidation, mostly via UGT2B7 and UGT1A8 (Lehtonen et al., 2010). A variety of in vitro and in vivo methods have been used to study the ontogeny of metabolic enzymes. Both CYPs and UGTs activities in neonates and small infants are known to be lower than in adults and to increase over time, each at its own speed, in an isoform-specific manner (Morselli et al., 1980; Alcorn and McNamara, 2002; Kearns et al., 2003; Blake et al., 2005; Allegaert et al., 2011). However, because of the difficulty in obtaining liver and other tissue material from children, data are rare and the rate at which the increase of individual enzyme activity occurs is still debated. It is generally agreed upon that CYP2D6 activity is already present at birth, rapidly increases over the first months and that final adults values are reached at 1 year of age, not later than 3 years of age (Treluyer et al., 1991; Tateishi et al., 1997; Allegaert et al., 2005, 2015). CYP3A4 activity is low to negligible at birth, then continuously increases in the first months of life to reach adult values at about 1 year of age (Tateishi et al., 1997; Johnson et al., 2006; Salem et al., 2014). In line with these observations, CYP2D6-mediated O-demethylation has been reported to develop sooner than CYP3A4-mediated N-demethylation (Allegaert et al., 2007).

FIGURE 1
www.frontiersin.org

FIGURE 1. Metabolism of tramadol into its main metabolites.

The peak concentration (Cmax) of tramadol and its metabolite M1, occur at 1–2 and 3 h, respectively (Gong et al., 2014; Vandenbossche et al., 2015). The median time to the onset of action is 30 min to 1 h (Desmeules et al., 2003). After dose and weight normalization, the plasma concentration profile of tramadol and M1 appear lower in the pediatric population than adults (Gong et al., 2014; Vandenbossche et al., 2015).

M1 is transported from the blood into the liver cells via the organic cation transporter (OCT)-1 (Stamer et al., 2016). Little is known about ontogeny of drug transporters gene (Rodieux et al., 2016) but similarly to drug-metabolizing enzymes, they show specific rise in expression during organogenesis and after birth (Brouwer et al., 2015).

Tramadol and its metabolites are predominantly eliminated by the kidneys. Mean elimination half-life is about 5–6 h but greatly depends on CYP2D6 activity (Bastami et al., 2014). Elimination half-life of M1 is around 8 h. Renal elimination of both tramadol and M1 is slowed in infants until about 1 year of age which is compatible with kidney maturation (Bastami et al., 2014; Allegaert et al., 2015; T’Jollyn et al., 2015; Vandenbossche et al., 2015). From 1 year of age, total tramadol clearance and elimination half-life seem to be similar between children and adults (Murthy et al., 2000; Garrido et al., 2006; Allegaert et al., 2015).

Pharmacodynamics

Tramadol exerts its analgesic activity via two complementary—opioids and non-opioids—mechanisms of action. The opioid activity results mainly from affinity binding of M1 metabolite to μ-opioid receptors. M1 affinity for the μ-opioid receptor is significantly higher than the parent drug affinity (approximately 700-fold; Gillen et al., 2000). The parent drug tramadol is furthermore a monoaminergic norepinephrine and serotonin transporter inhibitor, that increases the perisynaptic concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine and enhances inhibitory effects on pain transmission in the spinal cord (Hennies et al., 1982; Kayser et al., 1992; Raffa et al., 1992, 1993).

The analgesic efficacy of tramadol has been established in several randomized, double-blinded, studies in adult patients with moderate to severe acute and chronic pain (Lee et al., 1993), and in a more limited number of studies in pediatric patients (Schaffer et al., 1986; Finkel et al., 2002; Rose et al., 2003; Akbay et al., 2010; Uysal et al., 2011; Alencar et al., 2012; Engelman and Marsala, 2012; Neri et al., 2013; Friedrichsdorf et al., 2015; Schnabel et al., 2015; Cooper et al., 2017; Wiffen et al., 2017). Most pediatric studies were conducted in the perioperative setting and in the management of acute pain. One study aimed to determine the efficacy of long-term use in children (Rose et al., 2003). After single or repeated (three to four times daily) doses of 1–3 mg/kg, tramadol was shown to be an effective analgesic in children (Finkel et al., 2002; Payne et al., 2002; Rose et al., 2003; Neri et al., 2013; Friedrichsdorf et al., 2015) and a 2015 Cochrane review (20 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1170 patients) confirmed its efficacy in this population (Schnabel et al., 2015).

Only few safety and tolerability studies have been published on the long-term use of tramadol in children (Rose et al., 2003). The most common ADR, in both adults and children, after single and multiple doses are dizziness, nausea, confusion, drowsiness, tiredness, vomiting, constipation, headache, and dry mouth (Gibson, 1996; Rose et al., 2003; Moyao-Garcia et al., 2009). Respiratory depression, impaired consciousness, sedation, and seizure are rare, often related to tramadol overdose (Hassanian-Moghaddam et al., 2015; Tsutaoka et al., 2015; Stassinos et al., 2017). Due to its monoaminergic effects, tramadol increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and has been associated with serotonin syndrome in adults, in particular when combined with serotoninergic drugs (Beakley et al., 2015; Ansari and Kouti, 2016).

A large variability in interindividual responses to the same dose of tramadol has been observed, with respect to both therapeutic and ADR (Amanzio et al., 2001). Different factors may contribute to this variability, including body weight, sex, route of administration as well as drug–drug interactions or gene polymorphisms in metabolizing enzymes, transport proteins, and receptors related to the PK and pharmacodynamics (PD) of tramadol (Rollason et al., 2008; Samer et al., 2013; Gong et al., 2014; Lassen et al., 2015). Tramadol PD effects (analgesia and toxicity) partly depend on CYP2D6 activity, therefore drug–drug interactions and genes polymorphisms affecting CYP2D6 activity are of particular importance (Klotz, 2003; Zhou, 2009; Gong et al., 2014).

Factors Modifying Clinical Responses to Tramadol

Drug–Drug Interactions

CYP2D6 accounts for only a small percentage of all hepatic CYPs (approximately 2–4%) but is the second most important CYP in term of drug metabolism (Rendic, 2002), metabolizing approximately 25% of currently marketed drugs (Ingelman-Sundberg et al., 2007). It is not considered inducible but can be strongly inhibited by a variety of drugs such as certain antidepressants (Benedetti, 2000). The level of consumption of CYP2D6 substrates or CYP2D6 inhibitors in children has not been specifically documented in the literature. Although probably much lower than in adults, it may not be negligible as the well-described CYP2D6 inhibitors risperidone and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors are increasingly prescribed in children and metoclopramide is often coadministrated with tramadol in the postoperative setting (Zito et al., 2003; Mitchell et al., 2008).

CYP2D6 inhibition has been shown to result in clinically significant failure to bioactivate tramadol along with a significant decrease of analgesic opioid efficacy (Tirkkonen and Laine, 2004; Laugesen et al., 2005), as it is the case with other prodrug opioids, such as codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone (Samer et al., 2010a; Monte et al., 2014). The consequence is, however, more complex with tramadol due to its dual mechanism of action. CYP2D6 inhibition does not only decrease the formation of M1; it also increases tramadol parent drug plasma concentrations which, in turn, may be associated with an increased risk of potentially life-threatening dose-dependent serotonin syndrome (Beakley et al., 2015).

CYP3A, which metabolizes tramadol to the M2 inactive metabolite, is sensitive to enzyme inhibition as well as induction. Carbamazepine and rifampicin, both potent inducers of CYP3A, have been shown to decrease tramadol analgesic effects shunting CYP2D6 and decreasing both tramadol and M1 concentrations (Klotz, 2003; Saarikoski et al., 2013). These data suggest that drug interactions involving CYP3A4 should also be taken into account and may modify the safety and efficacy profile of tramadol.

Pharmacogenomics

The highly polymorphic CYP2D6 gene is one of the most investigated CYPs in relation to genetic polymorphisms. More than 100 allelic variants have been identified and this number is continuously growing. Many of these variants result in enzyme activity alteration (Ingelman-Sundberg et al., 2007). Four metabolizer phenotypes have been determined: (i) extensive metabolizers (EM) also referred to “normal” metabolizers who have normal enzymatic activity, (ii) UM who express more functional CYP2D6 enzyme than normal (30% carry gene duplications), (iii) intermediate metabolizers (IM) who express lower than normal amount of functional CYP2D6 enzymes, and (iv) poor metabolizers (PM) with little to no functional enzyme activity (carriers of tow deficient alleles or a gene deletion) (Zhou, 2009). EMs represent the high majority of the Caucasians as they account for 60–70% (Bradford, 2002). IMs account for 10–15% of Caucasians and up to 50% of Asians (Raimundo et al., 2000; Bernard et al., 2006). PMs represent 5–10% Caucasians, but are rare, <3%, or absent in other ethnic populations. UMs account for 2–6% of Caucasians but potentially up to 30% of Northern African and Arabian populations (Bradford, 2002; Llerena et al., 2014; Gaedigk et al., 2017). In the United States, ∼40% of the United States population is expected to carry one of the “extreme phenotype,” i.e., to be PM or UM (St Sauver et al., 2017).

The impact of CYP2D6 polymorphism on opioids prodrugs disposition is well documented (Kirchheiner et al., 2007; Owusu Obeng et al., 2017). Patients with UM phenotype have increased plasma concentration of the active metabolite or an increased active metabolite/parent drug ratio, while PM phenotypes have decreased plasma concentration of the active metabolite or a decreased active metabolite/parent drug ratio (Pedersen et al., 2006; Gan et al., 2007; Stamer et al., 2007; Kirchheiner et al., 2008; Samer et al., 2010b; Andreassen et al., 2012; Stauble et al., 2014). Studies have shown a significant influence of CYP2D6 polymorphism on tramadol opioid response and highlighted CYP2D6 UMs and PMs as “high risk phenotypes” for tramadol misuse, poor pain control and ADR (Stamer et al., 2007; St Sauver et al., 2017). It has been shown that CYP2D6 PMs have up to two times lower analgesic response rate (Pedersen et al., 2006; Stamer et al., 2007) and higher tramadol (up to 30% higher) and/or rescue medication consumption after surgery (up to two times higher) (Stamer et al., 2003, 2007; Slanar et al., 2012). CYP2D6 UMs with faster bioactivation of tramadol experience a higher frequency of nausea and a trend toward stronger miosis (Kirchheiner et al., 2008). Furthermore, different case reports have described near-fatal respiratory depression in UM patients treated with standard therapeutic doses of tramadol (Barnung et al., 1997; Stamer et al., 2008; Elkalioubie et al., 2011; Tantry et al., 2011). All had risk factors for respiratory depression or tramadol and its active metabolite accumulation, such as obesity or impaired kidney function.

Loss-of-function SLC22A1 polymorphisms, encoding for OCT1, which concern ∼10% of the Caucasian population (Shu et al., 2003; Tzvetkov et al., 2013), have been associated with significantly higher plasma concentrations of M1 metabolite as well as longer lasting miosis and reduced tramadol need for pain control (Tzvetkov et al., 2011; Stamer et al., 2016).

Regarding PD genes, the μ-opioid receptor is encoded by the OPRM1 gene. One of the most widely studied variant of OPRM1 is the A118G base exchange (rs1799971) in exon 1, which results in reduced OPRM1 mRNA and protein levels (Zhang et al., 2005). G allele carriers present poorer response to opioid analgesia, including morphine and fentanyl (Romberg et al., 2005; Kasai and Ikeda, 2011). To date no study has clearly shown an impact of OPRM1 polymorphism on the efficacy of tramadol.

Clinical Use in Children

Tramadol is mainly used for acute nociceptive pain management in the context of trauma or in the postoperative setting (Neri et al., 2013; Friedrichsdorf et al., 2015; Schnabel et al., 2015; Yenigun et al., 2015; Ali et al., 2017; Liaqat and Dar, 2017; Maryam et al., 2017). It is also used, although less frequently, in the management of acute painful vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease (Erhan et al., 2007; Borgerding et al., 2013). Administration of tramadol for nociceptive chronic pain in children out of this context is rare.

Tramadol, “Safety Concern” in Children

The safety of tramadol in children has been questioned since the mid-2010s, as respiratory depression induced by tramadol has been associated with overdosing but also with CYP2D6 UM phenotypes (Hassanian-Moghaddam et al., 2015).

On August 21, 2015, the FDA issued a first drug Safety Communication to alert health care providers and the lay public of the risk of respiratory depression in children receiving tramadol (US Food and Drug Administration, 2015). On April 20, 2017, the FDA issued a new drug safety communication with restrictions for the use of tramadol in children: i.e., a contraindication for treating pain in children younger than 12 years old and in children younger than 18 years old after surgery to remove the tonsils and/or adenoids, as well as a warning recommending against use of tramadol in obese adolescents between 12 and 18 years and children who have conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea or severe lung disease (Table 1; US Food and Drug Administration, 2017). From 2017, in the United States, codeine and tramadol use is thus now under the same restrictions.

TABLE 1
www.frontiersin.org

TABLE 1. Latest FDA Drug Safety Announcement restricting the use of tramadol in children and breastfeeding women (US Food and Drug Administration, 2017).

According to the FDA, their new warning was based on nine cases of respiratory depression, including three deaths reported in children under 18 years of age between 1969 and 2016 to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS; The Children’s Clinic, 2017; US Food and Drug Administration, 2017). Most of these episodes of respiratory depression had occurred within the first 24 h of tramadol administration. All three deaths involved children younger than 6 years of age. The doses were not known, but all of three cases of deaths reported supratherapeutic concentrations of tramadol (The Children’s Clinic, 2017; US Food and Drug Administration, 2017).

Aware of the limitations of spontaneous reporting systems for suspected ADR, we searched within the World Health Organization (WHO) pharmacovigilance database for recent tramadol ADR spontaneous reports, i.e., between 1992 and 2016. We found 15 individual case study reports of “respiratory depression” suspected to be attributed to tramadol in children. One report concerned a newborn, two reports concerned infants, three reports concerned children, and the majority, i.e., nine reports, concerned adolescents. All these reports were considered as “serious” and three led to the death of the patient. Routes of administration were often not reported, out of the 15 cases seven were oral, two intravenous, and one subcutaneous. The majority, i.e., 10 out of 15 involved accidental or intentional overdoses, and in many reports tramadol was not the only suspected drug. Only one report of suspected respiratory depression was attributed to oral tramadol alone, without documented overdose in a neonate (Table 2). Moreover, we found 14 individual case reports of “death” in children suspected to be linked to tramadol, adding up with the three deaths coded as “respiratory depression.” As for cases of respiratory depression, the great majority were described as accidental or intentional overdoses and other suspected drugs were involved (Table 3).

TABLE 2
www.frontiersin.org

TABLE 2. Cases of respiratory depression in children suspected to be attributed to tramadol, spontaneously reported to the WHO pharmacovigilance database between 1992 and 2016.

TABLE 3
www.frontiersin.org

TABLE 3. Cases of death in children suspected to be attributed to tramadol, spontaneously reported to the WHO pharmacovigilance database between 1992 and 2016.

In the literature, a single case report of a 5-year-old boy who developed respiratory depression after standard tramadol dose was published in 2015 (Orliaguet et al., 2015). He had a tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea and was prescribed a standard pediatric dose of 1 mg/kg tramadol at home. Approximately 8 h after discharge, he was found lethargic, with pinpoint pupils, had episodes of apnea and an oxygen saturation of 48%. He fully recovered after naloxone. His M1 concentration (24 μg/mL) was higher than expected (Vandenbossche et al., 2015, 2016), and genotyping showed that he was an UM for CYP2D6 (Orliaguet et al., 2015).

Perspective

Both tramadol and codeine are prodrug opioids bioactivated by CYP2D6 to exert their opioid analgesic effect, and changes in CYP2D6 activity (drug–drug interactions or genetic polymorphisms) have been shown to significantly alter the efficacy and safety of tramadol. Thus, despite limited data on serious tramadol’s casualties at appropriate therapeutic dosing in children, its safety is being legitimately questioned as a substitute for codeine. The risk-benefit ratio has to be weighed, in particular in children where the assessment of efficacy or ADRs is complicated by the inability of the patient to communicate properly.

Complete and detailed information to caregivers about the risks associated with tramadol administration and close monitoring of the child should allow adapting the treatment in case of inefficacy or ADR. This will, however, not always be sufficient to ensure safe and effective pain management and two alternative scenarios should be currently considered: (1) a personalized approach, which implies to identify patients at risk for “over or under response” and to adapt the dose according to CYP2D6 activity in order to preserve safe and effective use of tramadol; and (2) the choice of an alternative analgesic molecule.

Personalized Approach

Two methods are currently available to assess the activity of CYP2D6: genotyping and phenotyping. CYP2D6 genotyping determines differences in the genotype of an individual by examining the individual’s DNA sequence from a blood or saliva sample, and can be done in children of all ages (once in a lifetime test). Phenotyping involves the oral intake of a probe drug metabolized by a specific CYP followed by a single measurement of plasma/capillary concentration ratio between the metabolite and the probe (metabolic ratio). This ratio defines an individual metabolic profile (Frank et al., 2007; Bosilkovska et al., 2014). Dextromethorphan is one of the gold standard probe drug for CYP2D6 and low dosing may be used to minimize the potential therapeutic effects of the probes and drug–drug interactions. In adults, a 10 mg dextromethorphan dose (i.e., at least two times lower than the standard therapeutic dose) is used (Bosilkovska et al., 2014, 2016). In children a dose of 0.15 mg/kg (i.e., two to four times lower than the standard therapeutic dose) has been successfully evaluated in our laboratory.

Genotyping and phenotyping are complementary methods and phenotyping offers the advantage of measuring the combined effects of genetic, environmental, endogenous, ontogenic, and other developmental factors. Combination of both methods is of particular interest in young children as genotype–phenotype relationships established in adults do not necessarily apply due to age-related developmental factors.

In the United States and around the world, government agencies are working on the implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in routine medical care and to develop standards for genetic testing laboratories (Hresko and Haga, 2012). Coverage by insurance companies is a critical step but has already been granted in some countries, such as the United States and Switzerland, when considered medically necessary to guide medical treatment or dosing. In the United States, reimbursement still depends on many factors such as the clinical context, the strength of evidence for a test, the specific medication as well as the insurance company (Hresko and Haga, 2012; Abul-Husn et al., 2014). In Switzerland, the pharmacogenetic tests, such as genotyping of CYP2D6, are covered by the health insurance when ordered by a medical specialist in clinical pharmacology.

Based on phenotypic and genotypic status, clinical dosing recommendations have been made available for prescribers. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC1) and the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) have indeed established codeine and tramadol dosing recommendations based on CYP2D6 activity (Swen et al., 2011; Dean, 2012; Crews et al., 2014). For tramadol, in CYP2D6 PMs, the recommendation is to select an alternative drug (not oxycodone or codeine) and/or to be extra alert to symptoms of insufficient pain relief; in CYP2D6 IMs, to be alert to decreased efficacy, to consider dose increase and if response is still inadequate to select an alternative drug (not oxycodone or codeine) and in CYP2D6 UMs, to decrease the dose by 30% and be alert for ADRs or to use an alternative drug (not oxycodone or codeine). These recommendations are validated in adults, and no specific guidelines have been specifically designed yet for the pediatric population. However, the St. Jude Research Hospital has already developed a clinical decision support system within the electronic health record to guide codeine prescribing in children starting at 9 months of age with sickle cell disease, based on the CPIC pharmacogenetics-based codeine prescribing adults recommendations and consistent with the FDA boxed warning (Gammal et al., 2016). Such decision tools could easily be translated to tramadol in order to enable safer administration of tramadol in the majority of patients.

Choice of an Alternative Analgesic

The oral alternatives to tramadol and codeine are scarce. Paracetamol and ibuprofen cannot be considered as effective alternatives because of their insufficient efficacy to treat moderate to severe pain. Among the other opioids, oxycodone and hydrocodone are two opioid prodrugs bioactivated by CYP2D6 and the impact of CYP2D6 activity on their PD is now well established (Samer et al., 2010a,b; Stauble et al., 2014; Owusu Obeng et al., 2017). Buprenorphine is a partial μ-opioid receptor agonist, which differs from other opioids because of its “bell shaped” analgesic dose–response curve in animals (Lutfy and Cowan, 2004) and a potential ceiling effect limited by its partial agonist activity for PD effects (Walsh et al., 1994; Lutfy and Cowan, 2004). Currently, its administration cannot be considered in children, especially for acute nociceptive pain management, for various reasons. It has a poor gastrointestinal bioavailability (Brewster et al., 1981) and the available formulations of the drug (sublingual and transcutaneous) are not suitable in this setting. Sublingual route is indeed not appropriate in a young child and transcutaneous route does not allow adequate management of acute nociceptive pain which needs rapid titration. Furthermore PK and PD data are lacking and buprenorphine has not been approved in children. Tapentadol is, for some authors, the alternative of choice in children (Anderson et al., 2017). Its advantages are that its hepatic metabolism does not involve CYP2D6 but mainly glucuronidation and it has no active metabolites (Kneip et al., 2008). However, it is a recent drug, marketed in 2009 and is not yet indicated in children due to the lack of PK, efficacy and safety studies (Borys et al., 2015). Thereby morphine, despite being feared by most caregivers and parents, is for the moment the only available alternative. Morphine has demonstrated efficacy and safety when used appropriately in nociceptive pain management in children (Lynn et al., 1993; Wong et al., 2012). From the available literature, given at equianalgesic doses, morphine has not been associated with more side effects than other opioids (Kart et al., 1997). It can be used in children of all ages and is available in a variety of galenic forms making its administration easy in children.

Conclusion/Recommendations

Tramadol, the current alternative to codeine in the pediatric population may not be as safe as initially thought for the same reasons as codeine.

In a perfect world, where pharmacogenetic profile would be instantly made available, we would recommend to adapt tramadol prescription to the patient’s pharmacogenetic profile. This is unfortunately not yet the case, and we thus recommend distinguishing the acute and the chronic nociceptive pain management settings.

In case of chronic and recurrent nociceptive pain or in situations where tramadol prescription can be planned in advance such as elective surgery, we strongly recommend that CYP2D6 phenotyping/genotyping are considered. Guidelines based on CYP2D6 genotype/phenotype for tramadol should be implemented, as with codeine.

In acute nociceptive pain and when the activity of CYP2D6 is unknown, it seems necessary to differentiate outpatients from inpatients who can be easily monitored 24 h before discharge. For inpatients it seems reasonable to continue tramadol prescription due to the presence of health care providers to monitor for ADR and efficacy. They should be clearly informed of the risks and able to monitor the child accordingly. In this setting, we advise starting at low doses (1 mg/kg/dose; three to four times daily) and adjusting the dosing according to tolerance and observed efficacy. At discharge, tramadol can be continued at the minimal effective dose depending on the tolerance and efficacy, if a child-friendly formulation is available, and after specific instructions are given to parents, orally but also in writing. The pediatric formulation would prevent dangerous overdoses and the parents’ instructions would allow parents to quickly detect the occurrence of ADR. In the outpatient setting, we would recommend to prefer morphine as a first-line therapy in all tramadol nave patients with unknown CYP2D6 status.

We further recommend to contraindicate tramadol and to prefer morphine in the following situations: immediate discharge after a surgical intervention, risk factors for respiratory depression (i.e., age < 1 year, sleep apnoea syndrome, obesity, ENT surgery), clinically significant drug–drug interaction, CYP2D6 extreme phenotypes, and/or documented inefficacy or intolerance to tramadol.

Tramadol, like all opioids, should be given with caution in children when initiating a treatment. However, in light of the current data, it appears that by supporting personalized medicine, good education of parents and caregivers as well as child-friendly formulation, its use may be pursued in the majority of the pediatric population for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.

Special and continued attention should be paid to pharmacovigilance data regarding tramadol administration in children and PK and PD studies evaluating other opioids in moderate or severe nociceptive pain in children, such as tapentadol.

Author Contributions

FR and CS wrote the manuscript. JD, VP, LV, WH, and KP-B revised the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Footnote

  1. ^https://cpicpgx.org/

References

Abul-Husn, N. S., Owusu Obeng, A., Sanderson, S. C., Gottesman, O., and Scott, S. A. (2014). Implementation and utilization of genetic testing in personalized medicine. Pharmacogenomics Person. Med. 7, 227–240. doi: 10.2147/pgpm.s48887

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Akbay, B. K., Yildizbas, S., Guclu, E., Yilmaz, S., Iskender, A., and Ozturk, O. (2010). Analgesic efficacy of topical tramadol in the control of postoperative pain in children after tonsillectomy. J. Anesth. 24, 705–708. doi: 10.1007/s00540-010-0978-2

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Alcorn, J., and McNamara, P. J. (2002). Ontogeny of hepatic and renal systemic clearance pathways in infants: part II. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 41, 1077–1094. doi: 10.2165/00003088-200241130-00005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Alencar, A. J., Sanudo, A., Sampaio, V. M., Gois, R. P., Benevides, F. A., and Guinsburg, R. (2012). Efficacy of tramadol versus fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in neonates. Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed. 97, F24–F29. doi: 10.1136/adc.2010.203851

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ali, S., Sofi, K., and Dar, A. Q. (2017). Comparison of intravenous infusion of tramadol alone with combination of tramadol and paracetamol for postoperative pain after major abdominal surgery in children. Anesth. Essays Res. 11, 472–476. doi: 10.4103/aer.AER_23_17

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Allegaert, K., Anderson, B. J., Verbesselt, R., Debeer, A., de Hoon, J., Devlieger, H., et al. (2005). Tramadol disposition in the very young: an attempt to assess in vivo cytochrome P-450 2D6 activity. Br. J. Anaesth. 95, 231–239. doi: 10.1093/bja/aei170

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Allegaert, K., Holford, N., Anderson, B. J., Holford, S., Stuber, F., Rochette, A., et al. (2015). Tramadol and o-desmethyl tramadol clearance maturation and disposition in humans: a pooled pharmacokinetic study. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 54, 167–178. doi: 10.1007/s40262-014-0191-9

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Allegaert, K., Mian, P., and van den Anker, J. (2017). Developmental pharmacokinetics in neonates: maturational changes and beyond. Curr. Pharm. Des. doi: 10.2174/1381612823666170926121124 [Epub ahead of print].

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Allegaert, K., Rochette, A., and Veyckemans, F. (2011). Developmental pharmacology of tramadol during infancy: ontogeny, pharmacogenetics and elimination clearance. Paediatr. Anaesth. 21, 266–273. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2010.03389.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Allegaert, K., Verbesselt, R., Rayyan, M., Debeer, A., and de Hoon, J. (2007). Urinary metabolites to assess in vivo ontogeny of hepatic drug metabolism in early neonatal life. Methods Find. Exp. Clin. Pharmacol. 29, 251–256. doi: 10.1358/mf.2007.29.4.1106408

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Amanzio, M., Pollo, A., Maggi, G., and Benedetti, F. (2001). Response variability to analgesics: a role for non-specific activation of endogenous opioids. Pain 90, 205–215. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3959(00)00486-3

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Anderson, B. J., Thomas, J., Ottaway, K., and Chalkiadis, G. A. (2017). Tramadol: keep calm and carry on. Paediatr. Anaesth. 27, 785–788. doi: 10.1111/pan.13190

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Andreassen, T. N., Eftedal, I., Klepstad, P., Davies, A., Bjordal, K., Lundstrom, S., et al. (2012). Do CYP2D6 genotypes reflect oxycodone requirements for cancer patients treated for cancer pain? A cross-sectional multicentre study. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 68, 55–64. doi: 10.1007/s00228-011-1093-5

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ansari, H., and Kouti, L. (2016). Drug interaction and serotonin toxicity with opioid use: another reason to avoid opioids in headache and migraine treatment. Curr. Pain Headache Rep. 20:50. doi: 10.1007/s11916-016-0579-3

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Barnung, S. K., Treschow, M., and Borgbjerg, F. M. (1997). Respiratory depression following oral tramadol in a patient with impaired renal function. Pain 71, 111–112. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3959(97)03350-2

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bastami, S., Haage, P., Kronstrand, R., Kugelberg, F. C., Zackrisson, A. L., and Uppugunduri, S. (2014). Pharmacogenetic aspects of tramadol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after a single oral dose. Forensic Sci. Int. 238, 125–132. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.03.003

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Batchelor, H. K., and Marriott, J. F. (2015). Paediatric pharmacokinetics: key considerations. Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 79, 395–404. doi: 10.1111/bcp.12267

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Beakley, B. D., Kaye, A. M., and Kaye, A. D. (2015). Tramadol, pharmacology, side effects, and serotonin syndrome: a review. Pain Physician 18, 395–400.

Google Scholar

Benedetti, M. S. (2000). Enzyme induction and inhibition by new antiepileptic drugs: a review of human studies. Fundam. Clin. Pharmacol. 14, 301–319. doi: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2000.tb00411.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bernard, S., Neville, K. A., Nguyen, A. T., and Flockhart, D. A. (2006). Interethnic differences in genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 in the U.S. population: clinical implications. Oncologist 11, 126–135. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.11-2-126

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Blake, M. J., Castro, L., Leeder, J. S., and Kearns, G. L. (2005). Ontogeny of drug metabolizing enzymes in the neonate. Semin. Fetal Neonatal Med. 10, 123–138. doi: 10.1016/j.siny.2004.11.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Borgerding, M. P., Absher, R. K., and So, T. Y. (2013). Tramadol use in pediatric sickle cell disease patients with vaso-occlusive crisis. World J. Clin. Pediatr. 2, 65–69. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v2.i4.65

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Borys, D., Stanton, M., Gummin, D., and Drott, T. (2015). Tapentadol toxicity in children. Pediatrics 135, e392–e396. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-2096

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bosilkovska, M., Samer, C., Deglon, J., Thomas, A., Walder, B., Desmeules, J., et al. (2016). Evaluation of mutual drug-drug interaction within Geneva cocktail for cytochrome P450 phenotyping using innovative dried blood sampling method. Basic Clin. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 119, 284–290. doi: 10.1111/bcpt.12586

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bosilkovska, M., Samer, C. F., Deglon, J., Rebsamen, M., Staub, C., Dayer, P., et al. (2014). Geneva cocktail for cytochrome p450 and P-glycoprotein activity assessment using dried blood spots. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 96, 349–359. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2014.83

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bradford, L. D. (2002). CYP2D6 allele frequency in European Caucasians, Asians, Africans and their descendants. Pharmacogenomics 3, 229–243. doi: 10.1517/14622416.3.2.229

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Brewster, D., Humphrey, M. J., and McLeavy, M. A. (1981). The systemic bioavailability of buprenorphine by various routes of administration. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 33, 500–506. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1981.tb13848.x

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Brouwer, K. L., Aleksunes, L. M., Brandys, B., Giacoia, G. P., Knipp, G., Lukacova, V., et al. (2015). Human ontogeny of drug transporters: review and recommendations of the pediatric transporter working group. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 98, 266–287. doi: 10.1002/cpt.176

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Cooper, T. E., Fisher, E., Gray, A. L., Krane, E., Sethna, N., van Tilburg, M. A., et al. (2017). Opioids for chronic non-cancer pain in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 7:CD012538. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012538.pub2

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Crews, K. R., Gaedigk, A., Dunnenberger, H. M., Leeder, J. S., Klein, T. E., Caudle, K. E., et al. (2014). Clinical pharmacogenetics implementation consortium guidelines for cytochrome P450 2D6 genotype and codeine therapy: 2014 update. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 95, 376–382. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2013.254

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Dean, L. (2012). “Tramadol therapy and CYP2D6 genotype,” in Medical Genetics Summaries, eds V. Pratt, H. McLeod, L. Dean, A. Malheiro, and W. Rubinstein (Bethesda MD: National Center for Biotechnology Information (US)).

Google Scholar

Desmeules, J., Rollason, V., Piguet, V., and Dayer, P. (2003). Clinical pharmacology and rationale of analgesic combinations. Eur. J. Anaesthesiol. Suppl. 28, 7–11.

Google Scholar

Drendel, A. L., Gorelick, M. H., Weisman, S. J., Lyon, R., Brousseau, D. C., and Kim, M. K. (2009). A randomized clinical trial of ibuprofen versus acetaminophen with codeine for acute pediatric arm fracture pain. Ann. Emerg. Med. 54, 553–560. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.06.005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Elkalioubie, A., Allorge, D., Robriquet, L., Wiart, J. F., Garat, A., Broly, F., et al. (2011). Near-fatal tramadol cardiotoxicity in a CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizer. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 67, 855–858. doi: 10.1007/s00228-011-1080-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Engelman, E., and Marsala, C. (2012). Bayesian enhanced meta-analysis of post-operative analgesic efficacy of additives for caudal analgesia in children. Acta Anaesthesiol. Scand. 56, 817–832. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2012.02651.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Erhan, E., Inal, M. T., Aydinok, Y., Balkan, C., and Yegul, I. (2007). Tramadol infusion for the pain management in sickle cell disease: a case report. Paediatr. Anaesth. 17, 84–86. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2006.02030.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

European Medicines Agency’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee [PRAC] (2015). Codeine not to be Used in Children Below 12 Years for Cough and Cold. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/referrals/Codeine_containing_medicinal_products_for_the_treatment_of_cough_and_cold_in_paediatric_patients/human_referral_prac_000039.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac05805c516f [accessed April 24, 2015].

Google Scholar

Finkel, J. C., Rose, J. B., Schmitz, M. L., Birmingham, P. K., Ulma, G. A., Gunter, J. B., et al. (2002). An evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of oral tramadol hydrochloride tablets for the treatment of postsurgical pain in children. Anesth. Analg. 94, 1469–1473. doi: 10.1213/00000539-200206000-00017

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Frank, D., Jaehde, U., and Fuhr, U. (2007). Evaluation of probe drugs and pharmacokinetic metrics for CYP2D6 phenotyping. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 63, 321–333. doi: 10.1007/s00228-006-0250-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Friedrichsdorf, S. J., Postier, A. C., Foster, L. P., Lander, T. A., Tibesar, R. J., Lu, Y., et al. (2015). Tramadol versus codeine/acetaminophen after pediatric tonsillectomy: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. J. Opioid Manag. 11, 283–294. doi: 10.5055/jom.2015.0277

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Funk, R. S., Brown, J. T., and Abdel-Rahman, S. M. (2012). Pediatric pharmacokinetics: human development and drug disposition. Pediatr. Clin. North Am. 59, 1001–1016. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.07.003

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gaedigk, A., Sangkuhl, K., Whirl-Carrillo, M., Klein, T., and Leeder, J. S. (2017). Prediction of CYP2D6 phenotype from genotype across world populations. Genet. Med. 19, 69–76. doi: 10.1038/gim.2016.80

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gammal, R. S., Crews, K. R., Haidar, C. E., Hoffman, J. M., Baker, D. K., Barker, P. J., et al. (2016). Pharmacogenetics for safe codeine use in sickle cell disease. Pediatrics 138:e20153479. doi: 10.1542/peds.2015-3479

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gan, S. H., Ismail, R., Wan Adnan, W. A., and Zulmi, W. (2007). Impact of CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism on tramadol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Mol. Diagn. Ther. 11, 171–181. doi: 10.1007/BF03256239

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Garrido, M. J., Habre, W., Rombout, F., and Troconiz, I. F. (2006). Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling of the analgesic effects of tramadol in pediatrics. Pharm. Res. 23, 2014–2023. doi: 10.1007/s11095-006-9049-7

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gibson, T. P. (1996). Pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of analgesia with a focus on tramadol HCl. Am. J. Med 101, 47S–53S.

Google Scholar

Gillen, C., Haurand, M., Kobelt, D. J., and Wnendt, S. (2000). Affinity, potency and efficacy of tramadol and its metabolites at the cloned human mu-opioid receptor. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch. Pharmacol. 362, 116–121.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Gong, L., Stamer, U. M., Tzvetkov, M. V., Altman, R. B., and Klein, T. E. (2014). PharmGKB summary: tramadol pathway. Pharmacogenet. Genomics 24, 374–380. doi: 10.1097/fpc.0000000000000057

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hassanian-Moghaddam, H., Farnaghi, F., and Rahimi, M. (2015). Tramadol overdose and apnea in hospitalized children, a review of 20 cases. Res. Pharm. Sci. 10, 544–552.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Hennies, H. H., Friderichs, E., Wilsmann, K., and Floh, E. L. (1982). Effect of the opioid analgesic tramadol on inactivation of norepinephrine and serotonin. Biochem. Pharmacol. 31, 1654–1655. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(82)90398-7

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hresko, A., and Haga, S. B. (2012). Insurance coverage policies for personalized medicine. J. Person. Med. 2, 201–216. doi: 10.3390/jpm2040201

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ingelman-Sundberg, M., Sim, S. C., Gomez, A., and Rodriguez-Antona, C. (2007). Influence of cytochrome P450 polymorphisms on drug therapies: pharmacogenetic, pharmacoepigenetic and clinical aspects. Pharmacol. Ther. 116, 496–526. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.09.004

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Johnson, T. N., Rostami-Hodjegan, A., and Tucker, G. T. (2006). Prediction of the clearance of eleven drugs and associated variability in neonates, infants and children. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 45, 931–956. doi: 10.2165/00003088-200645090-00005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kart, T., Christrup, L. L., and Rasmussen, M. (1997). Recommended use of morphine in neonates, infants and children based on a literature review: part 2–clinical use. Paediatr. Anaesth. 7, 93–101. doi: 10.1111/j.1460-9592.1997.tb00488.x

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kasai, S., and Ikeda, K. (2011). Pharmacogenomics of the human micro-opioid receptor. Pharmacogenomics 12, 1305–1320. doi: 10.2217/pgs.11.68

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kayser, V., Besson, J. M., and Guilbaud, G. (1992). Evidence for a noradrenergic component in the antinociceptive effect of the analgesic agent tramadol in an animal model of clinical pain, the arthritic rat. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 224, 83–88. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(92)94822-D

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kearns, G. L., Abdel-Rahman, S. M., Alander, S. W., Blowey, D. L., Leeder, J. S., and Kauffman, R. E. (2003). Developmental pharmacology–drug disposition, action, and therapy in infants and children. N. Engl. J. Med. 349, 1157–1167. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra035092

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kirchheiner, J., Keulen, J. T., Bauer, S., Roots, I., and Brockmoller, J. (2008). Effects of the CYP2D6 gene duplication on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tramadol. J. Clin. Psychopharmacol. 28, 78–83. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318160f827

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kirchheiner, J., Schmidt, H., Tzvetkov, M., Keulen, J. T., Lotsch, J., Roots, I., et al. (2007). Pharmacokinetics of codeine and its metabolite morphine in ultra-rapid metabolizers due to CYP2D6 duplication. Pharmacogenomics J. 7, 257–265. doi: 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500406

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Klotz, U. (2003). Tramadol–the impact of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties on the clinical management of pain. Arzneimittelforschung 53, 681–687.

Google Scholar

Kneip, C., Terlinden, R., Beier, H., and Chen, G. (2008). Investigations into the drug-drug interaction potential of tapentadol in human liver microsomes and fresh human hepatocytes. Drug Metab. Lett. 2, 67–75. doi: 10.2174/187231208783478434

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lassen, D., Damkier, P., and Brosen, K. (2015). The pharmacogenetics of tramadol. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 54, 825–836. doi: 10.1007/s40262-015-0268-0

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Laugesen, S., Enggaard, T. P., Pedersen, R. S., Sindrup, S. H., and Brosen, K. (2005). Paroxetine, a cytochrome P450 2D6 inhibitor, diminishes the stereoselective O-demethylation and reduces the hypoalgesic effect of tramadol. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 77, 312–323. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.002

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lee, C. R., McTavish, D., and Sorkin, E. M. (1993). Tramadol. A preliminary review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic potential in acute and chronic pain states. Drugs 46, 313–340. doi: 10.2165/00003495-199346020-00008

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lehtonen, P., Sten, T., Aitio, O., Kurkela, M., Vuorensola, K., Finel, M., et al. (2010). Glucuronidation of racemic O-desmethyltramadol, the active metabolite of tramadol. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 41, 523–530. doi: 10.1016/j.ejps.2010.08.005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liaqat, N., and Dar, S. H. (2017). Comparison of single-dose nalbuphine versus tramadol for postoperative pain management in children: a randomized, controlled trial. Korean J. Anesthesiol. 70, 184–187. doi: 10.4097/kjae.2017.70.2.184

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Llerena, A., Naranjo, M. E., Rodrigues-Soares, F., Penas-Lledo, E. M., Farinas, H., and Tarazona-Santos, E. (2014). Interethnic variability of CYP2D6 alleles and of predicted and measured metabolic phenotypes across world populations. Expert Opin. Drug Metab. Toxicol. 10, 1569–1583. doi: 10.1517/17425255.2014.964204

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lu, H., and Rosenbaum, S. (2014). Developmental pharmacokinetics in pediatric populations. J. Pediatr. Pharmacol. Ther. 19, 262–276. doi: 10.5863/1551-6776-19.4.262

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lutfy, K., and Cowan, A. (2004). Buprenorphine: a unique drug with complex pharmacology. Curr. Neuropharmacol. 2, 395–402. doi: 10.2174/1570159043359477

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lynn, A. M., Nespeca, M. K., Opheim, K. E., and Slattery, J. T. (1993). Respiratory effects of intravenous morphine infusions in neonates, infants, and children after cardiac surgery. Anesth. Analg. 77, 695–701. doi: 10.1213/00000539-199310000-00007

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mahic, M., Fredheim, O. M., Borchgrevink, P. C., and Skurtveit, S. (2015). Use of prescribed opioids by children and adolescents: differences between Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Eur. J. Pain 19, 1095–1100. doi: 10.1002/ejp.632

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Maryam, H., Amin, J., Sedighe, V., and Vida, A. (2017). Comparing the effects of peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol before and after the surgery on post-tonsillectomy pain. Eur. Arch. otorhinolaryngol. 274, 2521–2527. doi: 10.1007/s00405-017-4477-z

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Miotto, K., Cho, A. K., Khalil, M. A., Blanco, K., Sasaki, J. D., and Rawson, R. (2017). Trends in tramadol: pharmacology, metabolism, and misuse. Anesth. Analg. 124, 44–51. doi: 10.1213/ane.0000000000001683

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mitchell, B., Carleton, B., Smith, A., Prosser, R., Brownell, M., and Kozyrskyj, A. (2008). Trends in psychostimulant and antidepressant use by children in 2 Canadian provinces. Can. J. Psychiatry 53, 152–159. doi: 10.1177/070674370805300305

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Monte, A. A., Heard, K. J., Campbell, J., Hamamura, D., Weinshilboum, R. M., and Vasiliou, V. (2014). The effect of CYP2D6 drug-drug interactions on hydrocodone effectiveness. Acad. Emerg. Med. 21, 879–885. doi: 10.1111/acem.12431

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Morselli, P. L., Franco-Morselli, R., and Bossi, L. (1980). Clinical pharmacokinetics in newborns and infants. Age-related differences and therapeutic implications. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 5, 485–527. doi: 10.2165/00003088-198005060-00001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Moyao-Garcia, D., Hernandez-Palacios, J. C., Ramirez-Mora, J. C., and Nava-Ocampo, A. A. (2009). A pilot study of nalbuphine versus tramadol administered through continuous intravenous infusion for postoperative pain control in children. Acta Biomed. 80, 124–130.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Murthy, B. V., Pandya, K. S., Booker, P. D., Murray, A., Lintz, W., and Terlinden, R. (2000). Pharmacokinetics of tramadol in children after i.v. or caudal epidural administration. Br. J. Anaesth. 84, 346–349. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.bja.a013437

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Neri, E., Maestro, A., Minen, F., Montico, M., Ronfani, L., Zanon, D., et al. (2013). Sublingual ketorolac versus sublingual tramadol for moderate to severe post-traumatic bone pain in children: a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. Arch. Dis. Child. 98, 721–724. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2012-303527

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Orliaguet, G., Hamza, J., Couloigner, V., Denoyelle, F., Loriot, M. A., Broly, F., et al. (2015). A case of respiratory depression in a child with ultrarapid CYP2D6 metabolism after tramadol. Pediatrics 135, e753–e755. doi: 10.1542/peds.2014-2673

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Owusu Obeng, A., Hamadeh, I., and Smith, M. (2017). Review of opioid pharmacogenetics and considerations for pain management. Pharmacotherapy 37, 1105–1121. doi: 10.1002/phar.1986

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Patterson, E. (2017). Tramadol History and Statistics. Available at: http://drugabuse.com/library/tramadol-history-and-statistics/ [accessed December 22, 2017].

Google Scholar

Payne, K. A., Roelofse, J. A., and Shipton, E. A. (2002). Pharmacokinetics of oral tramadol drops for postoperative pain relief in children aged 4 to 7 years–a pilot study. Anesth. Prog. 49, 109–112.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Pedersen, R. S., Damkier, P., and Brosen, K. (2006). Enantioselective pharmacokinetics of tramadol in CYP2D6 extensive and poor metabolizers. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 62, 513–521. doi: 10.1007/s00228-006-0135-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Raffa, R. B., Friderichs, E., Reimann, W., Shank, R. P., Codd, E. E., and Vaught, J. L. (1992). Opioid and nonopioid components independently contribute to the mechanism of action of tramadol, an ’atypical’ opioid analgesic. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 260, 275–285.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Raffa, R. B., Friderichs, E., Reimann, W., Shank, R. P., Codd, E. E., Vaught, J. L., et al. (1993). Complementary and synergistic antinociceptive interaction between the enantiomers of tramadol. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 267, 331–340.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Raimundo, S., Fischer, J., Eichelbaum, M., Griese, E. U., Schwab, M., and Zanger, U. M. (2000). Elucidation of the genetic basis of the common ‘intermediate metabolizer’ phenotype for drug oxidation by CYP2D6. Pharmacogenetics 10, 577–581. doi: 10.1097/00008571-200010000-00001

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rendic, S. (2002). Summary of information on human CYP enzymes: human P450 metabolism data. Drug Metab. Rev. 34, 83–448. doi: 10.1081/dmr-120001392

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rodieux, F., Gotta, V., Pfister, M., and van den Anker, J. N. (2016). Causes and consequences of variability in drug transporter activity in pediatric drug therapy. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 56(Suppl. 7), S173–S192. doi: 10.1002/jcph.721

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rollason, V., Samer, C., Piguet, V., Dayer, P., and Desmeules, J. (2008). Pharmacogenetics of analgesics: toward the individualization of prescription. Pharmacogenomics 9, 905–933. doi: 10.2217/14622416.9.7.905

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Romberg, R. R., Olofsen, E., Bijl, H., Taschner, P. E., Teppema, L. J., Sarton, E. Y., et al. (2005). Polymorphism of mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1:c.118A > G) does not protect against opioid-induced respiratory depression despite reduced analgesic response. Anesthesiology 102, 522–530. doi: 10.1097/00000542-200503000-00008

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rose, J. B., Finkel, J. C., Arquedas-Mohs, A., Himelstein, B. P., Schreiner, M., and Medve, R. A. (2003). Oral tramadol for the treatment of pain of 7-30 days’ duration in children. Anesth. Analg. 96, 78–81. doi: 10.1213/00000539-200301000-00016

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Saarikoski, T., Saari, T. I., Hagelberg, N. M., Neuvonen, M., Neuvonen, P. J., Scheinin, M., et al. (2013). Rifampicin markedly decreases the exposure to oral and intravenous tramadol. Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 69, 1293–1301. doi: 10.1007/s00228-012-1460-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Salem, F., Johnson, T. N., Abduljalil, K., Tucker, G. T., and Rostami-Hodjegan, A. (2014). A re-evaluation and validation of ontogeny functions for cytochrome P450 1A2 and 3A4 based on in vivo data. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 53, 625–636. doi: 10.1007/s40262-014-0140-7

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Samer, C. F., Daali, Y., Wagner, M., Hopfgartner, G., Eap, C. B., Rebsamen, M. C., et al. (2010a). Genetic polymorphisms and drug interactions modulating CYP2D6 and CYP3A activities have a major effect on oxycodone analgesic efficacy and safety. Br. J. Pharmacol. 160, 919–930. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00709.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Samer, C. F., Daali, Y., Wagner, M., Hopfgartner, G., Eap, C. B., Rebsamen, M. C., et al. (2010b). The effects of CYP2D6 and CYP3A activities on the pharmacokinetics of immediate release oxycodone. Br. J. Pharmacol. 160, 907–918. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00673.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Samer, C. F., Lorenzini, K. I., Rollason, V., Daali, Y., and Desmeules, J. A. (2013). Applications of CYP450 testing in the clinical setting. Mol. Diagn. Ther. 17, 165–184. doi: 10.1007/s40291-013-0028-5

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Saudan, S., and Habre, W. (2007). [Pharmacokinetics of tramadol in children]. Ann. Fr. Anesth. Reanim. 26, 560–563. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2007.03.015

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Schaffer, J., Piepenbrock, S., Kretz, F. J., and Schonfeld, C. (1986). [Nalbuphine and tramadol for the control of postoperative pain in children]. Anaesthesist 35, 408–413.

Google Scholar

Schnabel, A., Reichl, S. U., Meyer-Friessem, C., Zahn, P. K., and Pogatzki-Zahn, E. (2015). Tramadol for postoperative pain treatment in children. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 3:CD009574. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009574.pub2

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shu, Y., Leabman, M. K., Feng, B., Mangravite, L. M., Huang, C. C., Stryke, D., et al. (2003). Evolutionary conservation predicts function of variants of the human organic cation transporter, OCT1. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100, 5902–5907. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0730858100

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Slanar, O., Dupal, P., Matouskova, O., Vondrackova, H., Pafko, P., and Perlik, F. (2012). Tramadol efficacy in patients with postoperative pain in relation to CYP2D6 and MDR1 polymorphisms. Bratisl. Lek. Listy 113, 152–155. doi: 10.4149/BLL_2012_036

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

St Sauver, J. L., Olson, J. E., Roger, V. L., Nicholson, W. T., Black, J. L. III, Takahashi, P. Y., et al. (2017). CYP2D6 phenotypes are associated with adverse outcomes related to opioid medications. Pharmacogenomics Pers. Med. 10, 217–227. doi: 10.2147/pgpm.s136341

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stamer, U. M., Lehnen, K., Hothker, F., Bayerer, B., Wolf, S., Hoeft, A., et al. (2003). Impact of CYP2D6 genotype on postoperative tramadol analgesia. Pain 105, 231–238. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3959(03)00212-4

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stamer, U. M., Musshoff, F., Kobilay, M., Madea, B., Hoeft, A., and Stuber, F. (2007). Concentrations of tramadol and O-desmethyltramadol enantiomers in different CYP2D6 genotypes. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 82, 41–47. doi: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100152

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stamer, U. M., Musshoff, F., Stuber, F., Brockmoller, J., Steffens, M., and Tzvetkov, M. V. (2016). Loss-of-function polymorphisms in the organic cation transporter OCT1 are associated with reduced postoperative tramadol consumption. Pain 157, 2467–2475. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000662

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stamer, U. M., Stuber, F., Muders, T., and Musshoff, F. (2008). Respiratory depression with tramadol in a patient with renal impairment and CYP2D6 gene duplication. Anesth. Analg. 107, 926–929. doi: 10.1213/ane.0b013e31817b796e

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stassinos, G. L., Gonzales, L., and Klein-Schwartz, W. (2017). Characterizing the toxicity and dose-effect profile of tramadol ingestions in children. Pediatr. Emerg. Care doi: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001084 [Epub ahead of print].

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Stauble, M. E., Moore, A. W., Langman, L. J., Boswell, M. V., Baumgartner, R., McGee, S., et al. (2014). Hydrocodone in postoperative personalized pain management: pro-drug or drug? Clin. Chim. Acta 429, 26–29. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2013.11.015

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Swen, J. J., Nijenhuis, M., de Boer, A., Grandia, L., Maitland-van der Zee, A. H., Mulder, H., et al. (2011). Pharmacogenetics: from bench to byte–an update of guidelines. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 89, 662–673. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2011.34

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tantry, T. P., Kadam, D., Shetty, P., and Adappa, K. K. (2011). Tramadol-induced respiratory depression in a morbidly obese patient with normal renal function. Indian J. Anaesth. 55, 318–320. doi: 10.4103/0019-5049.82667

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tateishi, T., Nakura, H., Asoh, M., Watanabe, M., Tanaka, M., Kumai, T., et al. (1997). A comparison of hepatic cytochrome P450 protein expression between infancy and postinfancy. Life Sci. 61, 2567–2574. doi: 10.1016/S0024-3205(97)01011-4

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

The Children’s Clinic (2017). Do not use codeine, tramadol in children: FDA. News Content Editor, Melissa Jenco, AAP News, April 20, 2017.

Google Scholar

Tirkkonen, T., and Laine, K. (2004). Drug interactions with the potential to prevent prodrug activation as a common source of irrational prescribing in hospital inpatients. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 76, 639–647. doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.08.017

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

T’Jollyn, H., Snoeys, J., Vermeulen, A., Michelet, R., Cuyckens, F., Mannens, G., et al. (2015). Physiologically based pharmacokinetic predictions of tramadol exposure throughout pediatric life: an analysis of the different clearance contributors with emphasis on CYP2D6 maturation. AAPS J. 17, 1376–1387. doi: 10.1208/s12248-015-9803-z

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Treluyer, J. M., Jacqz-Aigrain, E., Alvarez, F., and Cresteil, T. (1991). Expression of CYP2D6 in developing human liver. Eur. J. Biochem. 202, 583–588. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1991.tb16411.x

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tsutaoka, B. T., Ho, R. Y., Fung, S. M., and Kearney, T. E. (2015). Comparative toxicity of tapentadol and tramadol utilizing data reported to the national poison data system. Ann. Pharmacother. 49, 1311–1316. doi: 10.1177/1060028015604631

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tzvetkov, M. V., dos Santos Pereira, J. N., Meineke, I., Saadatmand, A. R., Stingl, J. C., and Brockmoller, J. (2013). Morphine is a substrate of the organic cation transporter OCT1 and polymorphisms in OCT1 gene affect morphine pharmacokinetics after codeine administration. Biochem. Pharmacol. 86, 666–678. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.019

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tzvetkov, M. V., Saadatmand, A. R., Lotsch, J., Tegeder, I., Stingl, J. C., and Brockmoller, J. (2011). Genetically polymorphic OCT1: another piece in the puzzle of the variable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the opioidergic drug tramadol. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 90, 143–150. doi: 10.1038/clpt.2011.56

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

US Food and Drug Administration (2015). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Evaluating the Risks of Using the Pain Medicine Tramadol in Children Aged 17 and Younger. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm462991.htm [accessed September 21, 2015].

Google Scholar

US Food and Drug Administration (2017). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Restricts Use of Prescription Codeine Pain and Cough Medicines and Tramadol Pain Medicines in Children; Recommends Against use in Breastfeeding Women. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM553814.pdf [accessed April 20, 2017].

Google Scholar

Uysal, H. Y., Takmaz, S. A., Yaman, F., Baltaci, B., and Basar, H. (2011). The efficacy of intravenous paracetamol versus tramadol for postoperative analgesia after adenotonsillectomy in children. J. Clin. Anesth. 23, 53–57. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2010.07.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Vandenbossche, J., Richards, H., Solanki, B., and Van Peer, A. (2015). Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies of tramadol immediate-release tablets in children and adolescents. Clin. Pharmacol. Drug Dev. 4, 184–192. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.169

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Vandenbossche, J., Van Peer, A., and Richards, H. (2016). Single-dose pharmacokinetic study of tramadol extended-release tablets in children and adolescents. Clin. Pharmacol. Drug Dev. 5, 343–353. doi: 10.1002/cpdd.266

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Vazzana, M., Andreani, T., Fangueiro, J., Faggio, C., Silva, C., Santini, A., et al. (2015). Tramadol hydrochloride: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse side effects, co-administration of drugs and new drug delivery systems. Biomed. Pharmacother. 70, 234–238. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2015.01.022

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Walsh, S. L., Preston, K. L., Stitzer, M. L., Cone, E. J., and Bigelow, G. E. (1994). Clinical pharmacology of buprenorphine: ceiling effects at high doses. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 55, 569–580. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1994.71

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wiffen, P. J., Cooper, T. E., Anderson, A. K., Gray, A. L., Gregoire, M. C., Ljungman, G., et al. (2017). Opioids for cancer-related pain in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 7:CD012564. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012564.pub2

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wong, C., Lau, E., Palozzi, L., and Campbell, F. (2012). Pain management in children: Part 2 - A transition from codeine to morphine for moderate to severe pain in children. Can. Pharm. J. 145, 276–279.e1. doi: 10.3821/145.6.cpj276

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yenigun, A., Et, T., Aytac, S., and Olcay, B. (2015). Comparison of different administration of ketamine and intravenous tramadol hydrochloride for postoperative pain relief and sedation after pediatric tonsillectomy. J. Craniofac. Surg. 26, e21–e24. doi: 10.1097/scs.0000000000001250

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhang, Y., Wang, D., Johnson, A. D., Papp, A. C., and Sadee, W. (2005). Allelic expression imbalance of human mu opioid receptor (OPRM1) caused by variant A118G. J. Biol. Chem. 280, 32618–32624. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M504942200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhou, S. F. (2009). Polymorphism of human cytochrome P450 2D6 and its clinical significance: Part I. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 48, 689–723. doi: 10.2165/11318030-000000000-00000

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zito, J. M., Safer, D. J., DosReis, S., Gardner, J. F., Magder, L., Soeken, K., et al. (2003). Psychotropic practice patterns for youth: a 10-year perspective. Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 157, 17–25. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.157.1.17

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: tramadol, codeine, opioids, children, pharmacogenetics, CYP2D6, safety, pain

Citation: Rodieux F, Vutskits L, Posfay-Barbe KM, Habre W, Piguet V, Desmeules JA and Samer CF (2018) When the Safe Alternative Is Not That Safe: Tramadol Prescribing in Children. Front. Pharmacol. 9:148. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00148

Received: 20 November 2017; Accepted: 13 February 2018;
Published: 05 March 2018.

Edited by:

Edoardo Spina, Università degli Studi di Messina, Italy

Reviewed by:

Diego Maria Michele Fornasari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
Janet K. Coller, University of Adelaide, Australia

Copyright © 2018 Rodieux, Vutskits, Posfay-Barbe, Habre, Piguet, Desmeules and Samer. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Caroline F. Samer, caroline.samer@hcuge.ch

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.