Analytical methods for tramadol in pharmaceutical and forensic context - A review

Tramadol is a centrally-acting weak ì-opioid receptor analgesic and is a racemic mixture of (+)-tramadol and (“)tramadol enantiomers. Tramadol does not show many adverse severe effects without any dependency potential in therapeutic doses, as seen in other opioids only if not used for extended periods in doses higher than recommended. Symptoms of tramadol intoxication are similar to those of other opioid analgesics but may include serotonergic and noradrenergic components. Fatal intoxications are rare and appear synergetic with other drugs and alcohol. There is growing evidence of abuse of tramadol in many countries. Due to its extensive use in the medical field as an analgesic of choice, pharmaceutical analysis in both process and quality control is essential. Due to its abuse and overdose cases, forensic toxicological analysis of tramadol in body fluids and tissues is also vital in medico-legal practice. Tramadol and its metabolites are found in wastewater also. This analytical review (from 2016 -2021) focuses on identifying and determining tramadol in bulk drugs, formulations, forensic drug seizures, forensic toxicological specimens, and wastewater. The analytical methods covered include UV/Visible/IR spectrophotometric methods, thinlayer, gas and liquid chromatographic methods, electrochemical methods, GC-MS, LC-MS, LC-MS-MS methods, and electrochemical methods. The review will interest pharmaceutical chemists, pharmacologists, biochemists, forensic chemists, forensic toxicologists, and environmental scientists.