# Tramadol in Nigeria

Tramadol has 107 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 83 registration holders; 52 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/tramadol/
- Drug class: Opioid analgesic (centrally-acting) (Pain & Fever)
- Also known as: Tramol, Ultram, Tramal
- Prescription required: yes (controlled substance in Nigeria)
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

Tramadol has no listed price here for a reason worth knowing: it is a controlled medicine in Nigeria, and licensed pharmacies dispense it against a prescription rather than listing it openly online — so there are no legitimate online listings for us to sample. Anyone openly advertising tramadol with a price, especially in strengths above 100mg, is the market to avoid: only 50mg and 100mg strengths are NAFDAC-registered.

## What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a centrally-acting opioid analgesic used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is a CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE in Nigeria, meaning it is strictly regulated by NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) and the NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency). Tramadol works differently from common painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen — it acts on opioid receptors in the brain and also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, providing a dual mechanism of pain relief. While it is a legitimate and effective medication when used under proper medical supervision, tramadol has become one of the most widely abused drugs in Nigeria, creating a serious public health crisis.

In 2018, NAFDAC took the unprecedented step of banning the importation of tramadol preparations above 100mg strength into Nigeria, following widespread reports of abuse, particularly among young people in Northern Nigeria. Before this ban, high-dose tramadol capsules (120mg, 200mg, and even 225mg) were being illegally imported — mainly from India and China — and sold openly in markets and on the streets. The NDLEA has since seized hundreds of millions of Naira worth of illicit tramadol. Despite the regulatory crackdown, counterfeit and illegally imported high-dose tramadol remains a significant problem in parts of the country. It is critically important that Nigerians understand that tramadol is not a casual painkiller and should ONLY be used when prescribed by a qualified doctor.

What the register actually holds is narrower than the folklore. Our October 2026 copy lists 159 tramadol products, 107 of them with Active registrations — and every Active one is a 50 mg or 100 mg capsule or a 100 mg/2 mL injection. No 200 mg strength and no sustained-release tablet is Active; the one retard tablet on record is Inactive. Grünenthal's Tramal and Contramal and May & Baker's Tramol, the names older prescriptions still carry, do not appear in our copy of the register at all, so a pack bearing one of those names should be checked by its printed number. A legitimate tramadol capsule in Nigeria is 50 mg or 100 mg, carries a NAFDAC number the checker confirms, and is dispensed against a prescription by a licensed pharmacy. Anything above 100 mg, anything without a number, and anything sold loose is the illicit market, and it carries the real risks: dependence, seizures and fatal overdose.

## What is Tramadol used for?

- Moderate to severe pain that does not respond adequately to non-opioid painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Post-surgical pain — used in hospitals after major operations when other painkillers are insufficient
- Cancer pain — an important part of pain management in cancer patients, often used as part of the WHO pain ladder
- Chronic pain conditions — including severe osteoarthritis pain, neuropathic pain, and chronic back pain, only under specialist supervision
- Acute pain episodes — such as fractures, severe burns, or renal colic when non-opioid options have failed

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: 50 mg to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed, to a maximum of 400 mg in 24 hours, starting at the lowest dose that works and for the shortest time that works. Sustained-release tablets taken twice daily exist in other countries; none is Active in our copy of the Nigerian register, so a 'slow-release 200 mg' tramadol sold here has no registration to check. The dose is a doctor's decision based on the pain and the person, never the pack's.
- Children: Tramadol is NOT recommended for children under 12 years of age. For adolescents aged 12-18 years, tramadol should only be used under specialist paediatric supervision at the lowest effective dose. It should not be used in children or adolescents after removal of tonsils or adenoids (tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy).
- Elderly: Elderly patients (over 65 years) should start with lower doses (25mg to 50mg) due to increased sensitivity to opioid effects, reduced kidney function, and higher risk of falls and confusion. Maximum dose in elderly patients over 75 years should generally not exceed 300mg per day. Dose adjustments may be needed based on kidney and liver function.

Tramadol MUST be prescribed by a qualified doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Do not stop tramadol suddenly after prolonged use as this can cause withdrawal symptoms — your doctor will gradually reduce the dose. Tramadol can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or chew sustained-release tablets — swallow whole. Never share your tramadol medication with anyone else. Report any signs of dependence (needing higher doses, craving the drug, anxiety about running out) to your doctor immediately.

## Side effects

Common: Nausea and vomiting — very common, especially when first starting tramadol; Dizziness and drowsiness — do not drive or operate machinery while taking tramadol; Constipation — a very common opioid side effect, may need management with dietary changes or laxatives; Headache; Sweating; Dry mouth; Fatigue and weakness.

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Seizures (fits) — tramadol lowers the seizure threshold, and this risk increases with higher doses, especially above 400mg per day. This is a critical concern given the abuse of high-dose tramadol in Nigeria; Respiratory depression — dangerously slowed breathing, which can be fatal, especially when combined with alcohol or other sedatives; Serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening condition when tramadol is combined with other serotonergic drugs, causing agitation, high fever, rapid heartbeat, and muscle rigidity; Physical dependence and addiction — the body becomes reliant on tramadol with regular use, leading to withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, sweating, tremors, insomnia, diarrhoea) when stopped; Psychological dependence — compulsive drug-seeking behaviour and inability to stop using despite harmful consequences; Severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis; Adrenal insufficiency with prolonged use; Fatal overdose — especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids.

When to see a doctor: Seek EMERGENCY medical attention immediately if you or someone you know experiences very slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness or difficulty waking up, seizures (fits), confusion or unusual behaviour, bluish lips or fingernails, or loss of consciousness after taking tramadol. These are signs of a life-threatening overdose. Also see a doctor if you experience severe nausea and vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking, signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, muscle stiffness), or if you find yourself needing to take more tramadol than prescribed to achieve the same effect (tolerance). If you suspect someone has overdosed on tramadol, call for emergency help immediately and do not leave them alone.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Do not take without a valid prescription from a qualified doctor; Do not take if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy — tramadol significantly increases seizure risk; Do not take if you are currently intoxicated with alcohol, sedatives, or other opioids; Do not take if you have severe breathing problems, severe asthma, or respiratory depression; Do not take if you have a known allergy to tramadol or other opioids; Do not take if you are currently taking or have recently taken MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant); Do not take if you have severe liver or kidney disease without dose adjustment by a doctor; Do not give to children under 12 years of age; Do not use for mild pain that can be managed with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Interactions: Alcohol — EXTREMELY DANGEROUS combination that can cause fatal respiratory depression, sedation, and coma. Never drink alcohol while taking tramadol; Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam) — combining with tramadol significantly increases the risk of fatal respiratory depression; Other opioids (e.g., codeine, morphine) — additive effects increase overdose risk; SSRIs and SNRIs (antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine) — risk of life-threatening serotonin syndrome; MAO inhibitors — absolutely contraindicated; can cause fatal reactions; Carbamazepine — reduces the effectiveness of tramadol and may reduce pain relief; Warfarin — tramadol may increase the anticoagulant effect and risk of bleeding; Sedating antihistamines and sleeping pills — increased drowsiness and respiratory depression; Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) — increased seizure risk and potential serotonin syndrome.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Tramadol should NOT be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary and only under strict medical supervision. Prolonged use during pregnancy can cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome in the newborn baby — the baby may experience tremors, irritability, excessive crying, feeding difficulties, and even seizures after birth. Tramadol passes into breast milk and should NOT be used during breastfeeding as it can cause sedation and breathing problems in the nursing infant. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use paracetamol for pain relief, or consult their obstetrician for safer alternatives to manage moderate to severe pain.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: AC-Tramadol (A.C. Drugs Ltd, made in Nigeria); Alben Tramadol Hydrochloride (Alben Health Care Industries Limited, made in Nigeria); Admadol (Adpharm Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, made in India); Tramacap-100 (Anisun Pharmaceutical Limited, made in India).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/tramadol/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. CRITICAL: Only obtain tramadol with a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. Any source selling tramadol without a prescription is operating illegally
2. Check the NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all legitimate tramadol products in Nigeria must be NAFDAC-registered
3. In our October 2026 copy of the register, Active tramadol products include AC-Tramadol (A4-7559), Alben Tramadol (A11-0121), Admadol (B4-1789) and Tramacap-100 (A4-6240), all 100 mg capsules. Tramal, Contramal and Tramol do not appear in our copy — check any such pack by its printed number in our NAFDAC checker
4. Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC online verification system or mobile app
5. Be extremely suspicious of any tramadol product with a strength above 100mg in immediate-release form — following the 2018 ban, legitimate immediate-release tramadol in Nigeria should not exceed 100mg per capsule
6. Purchase ONLY from licensed pharmacies — never buy tramadol from open markets, roadside vendors, bus conductors, or unregistered shops
7. Report any suspected counterfeit or illegally sold tramadol to NAFDAC (through their hotline or website) or your nearest NDLEA office
8. Inspect packaging carefully for poor quality printing, spelling errors, missing batch numbers, or tampered seals — these are common signs of counterfeit drugs

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Is tramadol legal in Nigeria?

Yes, tramadol is legal in Nigeria BUT it is a controlled substance that requires a valid prescription from a licensed doctor. In 2018, NAFDAC banned the importation of tramadol preparations with a strength above 100mg per dosage unit (immediate-release), due to widespread abuse. Legitimate tramadol in Nigeria is a 50 mg or 100 mg capsule (or a hospital injection) with a NAFDAC number the checker confirms: 115 such registrations are Active in our October 2026 copy of the register, and none is a 200 mg or sustained-release product. Buying, selling, or possessing tramadol without a prescription is illegal and can lead to prosecution by the NDLEA. The penalty for trafficking in controlled substances in Nigeria includes significant prison time.

### Why is tramadol so widely abused in Nigeria, and what are the dangers?

Tramadol abuse became a major public health crisis in Nigeria, particularly in Northern states, with reports estimating that millions of young Nigerians were misusing the drug. People abused tramadol for its euphoric effects, to stay awake for long hours (truck drivers, artisans), to boost physical endurance, and as a cheap alternative to harder drugs. High-dose capsules (120mg, 200mg, 225mg) — all illegal in Nigeria — were being imported and sold cheaply in open markets. The dangers are severe: tramadol abuse can cause seizures, fatal respiratory failure, addiction, psychosis, kidney failure, and liver damage. Combined with codeine-containing cough syrups (another commonly abused substance), the risk of death increases dramatically. If you or someone you know is struggling with tramadol abuse, contact the NDLEA or a drug rehabilitation centre for help.

### What are safer alternatives to tramadol for pain relief?

For most common pain conditions in Nigeria — headaches, body pain, menstrual cramps, mild to moderate joint pain — paracetamol and ibuprofen (or diclofenac) are effective and much safer alternatives that do not carry the risk of addiction. Paracetamol (500mg-1000mg) can be combined with ibuprofen (400mg) for enhanced pain relief. For moderate pain, your doctor may prescribe paracetamol combined with a low dose of codeine. Topical treatments like diclofenac gel are excellent for localised muscle and joint pain. Non-drug approaches such as physiotherapy, hot or cold compresses, and rest are also important. Tramadol should only be considered when these safer options have genuinely failed and should always be prescribed and supervised by a qualified doctor.

### What should I do if I think someone has overdosed on tramadol?

A tramadol overdose is a medical emergency that can be fatal. Signs of overdose include extremely slow or stopped breathing, pinpoint pupils, extreme drowsiness or inability to wake up, cold and clammy skin, blue lips or fingernails, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose: (1) Call for emergency help immediately — in Nigeria, you can call 112 (national emergency number) or take the person to the nearest hospital emergency department. (2) Do not leave the person alone. (3) If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking. (4) If they stop breathing and you know CPR, begin chest compressions. (5) Tell the medical team exactly what was taken, how much, and when. The antidote for opioid overdose is naloxone, which can rapidly reverse the effects if administered in time.

### Why does the NAFDAC checker show some tramadol registrations as Expired?

Registrations run for five years and are renewed; our copy of the register records each listing's status as published, and a renewal can leave the older listing showing Expired while the renewed one stands, or show Expired for a stretch while paperwork catches up. An Expired status on a controlled medicine like tramadol is therefore a renewals question, not by itself proof the pack in your hand is fake — but for tramadol the checks matter more than for most medicines: buy only registered strengths (50mg or 100mg; the 120mg, 225mg and 250mg strengths sold in markets have never been NAFDAC-registered), from licensed premises, and verify the number printed on the pack rather than a number from anywhere else.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)