ABSTRACT
Tramadol is a synthetic and centrally active analgesic. Hypoglycemia as another possible major side effect among abusers has not been known well. Our objective is evaluation of the Blood Glucose Level [BGL] among tramadol-overdosed patients. This prospective cross-sectional study was performed from Feb to June 2013; BGL was measured at the time of admission, 8 and 12 hours later. All patients with hypoglycemia received infusion of 0.5-1gr/kg of hypertonic dextrose and their BGL was checked every hour until normal BGL. Patients' demographic, clinical and paraclinical data were collected. Totally, 128 patients with a mean [SD] age of 24.5 [6.9] years were recruited; 127 [99.2%] were male. Seizure occurred in 59.4% cases. Mean +/- SD admission BGL was 94.88 +/- 21.5mg/dL. Fourteen patients experienced hypoglycemia within 12 hours period. Hyperglycemia was experienced in 8 patients [6.25%] on admission day. There was no significant relation between the dose of tramadol and BGL. In conclusion, hypoglycemia must be considered asan important side effect of tramadol-overdose. It is suggested that serial BGL monitoring in cases of Tramadol-overdose should be done for early recognition of hypoglycemia and its timely management. Also hyperglycemia may be revealed