Why have I been prescribed Ixprim?

• Ixprim (Paracetamol/Tramadol) is a painkiller belonging to the class of opioids that acts on the central nervous system.
• Ixprim is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The use of Ixprim should be restricted to patients whose moderate to severe pain is considered to require a combination of tramadol and paracetamol.

How does it work?

Ixprim contains Tramadol which like all opiates acts on the nerves in the spinal cord and brain to relieve pain. It also increase the amount of adrenaline and serotonin in the body.

Ixprim also contains paracetamol which is a mild pain killer and anti pyretic (reduces temperature). It is thought to work by inhibiting certain chemicals associated with pain and fever.

When and how do I take it?

• Tablets must be swallowed whole, with a sufficient quantity of liquid. They must not be broken or chewed.
• Effervescent tablets should be dissolved in a glass of water.

What’s the dose?

• Each tablet contains 37.5mg Tramadol and 325mg paracetamol. An initial dose of two tablets of Ixprim is recommended Additional doses can be taken as needed, not exceeding 8 tablets (equivalent to 300 mg tramadol and 2600 mg paracetamol) per day.
• The dosing interval should not be less than six hours.
• Ixprim should under no circumstances be administered for longer than is strictly necessary.

Could they interact with other tablets?

Ixprim should not be taken together with MAO inhibitors (certain medicines for the treatment of depression).
The pain-relieving effect of Ixprim may be reduced and the length of time it acts may be shortened, if you take medicines which contain carbamazepine (for epileptic fits); pentazocine, nalbuphine or buprenorphine (pain killers); ondansetron (prevents nausea).

The risk of side effects increases:

• if you take tranquillizers, sleeping pills, other pain relievers such as morphine and codeine (also as cough medicine), and alcohol while you are taking Ixprim. You may feel drowsier or feel that you might faint. If this happens tell your doctor.
• if you are taking medicines which may cause convulsions (fits), such as certain antidepressants. The risk having a fit may increase if you take Ixprim at the same time. Your doctor will tell you whether Ixprim is suitable for you.
• if you are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (often referred to as SSRIs) or MAO inhibitors (for the treatment of depression). Ixprim may interact with these medicines and you may experience symptoms such as confusion, restlessness, fever, sweating, uncoordinated movement of limbs or eyes, uncontrollable jerking of muscles, or diarrhoea.
• if you take coumarin anticoagulants (medicines for blood thinning), e.g. warfarin, together with Ixprim. The effect of these medicines on blood clotting may be affected and bleeding may occur.

Herbal supplements should be used with caution and only after informing your doctor first.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Common side effects include:

• dizziness
• headache
• drowsiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• dry mouth
• sweating
• fatigue

Adverse effects of paracetamol are rare but hypersensitivity including skin rash may occur

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

Do not drink alcohol during treatment with Ixprim as its effect may be intensified.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Ixprim should not be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

Medicines.ie website- ixprim SPC http://www.medicines.ie/medicine/3639/SPC/Ixprim+Tablets/

Medicines.ie- ixprim PIL http://www.medicines.ie/medicine/8293/PIL/Ixprim+Tablets/