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Synergism between tramadol and meloxicam in the formalin test involves both opioidergic and serotonergic pathways
Author(s) -
IsiordiaEspinoza Mario A.,
TeránRosales Flavio,
ReyesGarcía Gerardo,
GranadosSoto Vinicio
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
drug development research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.582
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1098-2299
pISSN - 0272-4391
DOI - 10.1002/ddr.20461
Subject(s) - meloxicam , opioidergic , tramadol , pharmacology , chemistry , serotonergic , nociception , opioid , (+) naloxone , analgesic , serotonin , medicine , receptor , biochemistry
AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate the antinociceptive interaction of the tramadol–meloxicam combination in different proportions (tramadol + meloxicam in 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 ratios), as well as the role of nitric oxide, opioidergic, and serotonergic pathways in the antinociceptive effect of the combination. The effects of individual drugs and fixed‐ratio combinations were assayed using the 3% formalin test in mice. Isobolographic analysis was employed to characterize the synergism produced by the combinations. Tramadol (3.16–10 mg/kg, i.m.), meloxicam (3.16–17.8 mg/kg, i.m.), and tramadol–meloxicam combinations produced a dose‐dependent antinociceptive effect. ED 30 values were estimated for the individual drugs, and isobolograms were constructed. The tramadol + meloxicam 1:1 and 1:3 ratio combinations showed synergistic interactions while the 3:1 ratio produced additive effects. Naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.m.) or methiothepin (0.1 mg/kg, i.m.), but not L‐NAME (3 mg/kg, i.m.), prevented the antinociceptive effects of the combination. These data suggest that (1) the tramadol–meloxicam combination produces a functional synergistic interaction that involves both opioid and serotonin receptors, and (2) this combination may be a promising tool in pain management. Drug Dev Res 73: 43–50, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.