Decrease in glycemia associated with tramadol use

Abstract

Objective: to determine whether the use of tramadol is associated with hypoglycemia. Methods: retrospective study in the internal medicine service of the Hospital de Alta Complejidad Virgen de la Puerta EsSalud, on 385 medical records of patients hospitalized from February to October 2019 and who received tramadol. Results: 68 patients met the inclusion criteria; 50% women, mean age 66 years, with 67,65 % being 60 and older. Glucose levels were determined at baseline and from the 5th day of receiving tramadol until 30 days. The average glucose level at admission was 108,04 ± 20,90 mg/dl. On the 5th day 96,86 ± 24,89 mg/dl (p<0,019); on the 10th day 97,68 ± 29,33 mg/dl (p<0,054); on the 20th day 101,33 ± 22,60 mg/dl (p=NS) and on the 30th day it was 108,39 ± 22,60 mg/dl (p=NS). In those over 60 years of age, glycemia on admission averaged 109,59 ± 22,84 and on the 10th day it was 96,15 ± 25,89 (p< 0,030). Glycemia fell with respect to the initial value in 73,5 % of the patients. Ten glucose values were found in the hypoglycemia range (14,7%); of these, 8 values were found in patients aged 60 years and older. Conclusion: the use of tramadol is associated with a reduction in glucose, which is significant on the 5th and 10th day of treatment; and, hypoglycemia occurred in 14,7% of patients.