Bexarotene and Tramadol: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Tramadol
Bexarotene
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Reduced traMADol exposure and reduced efficacy of traMADol
Interaction Deep Dive
Concomitant use of traMADol with a CYP3A4 inducer may result in reduced traMADol exposure, resulting in reduced efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to traMADol. After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the traMADol exposure will increase, which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause seizures, serotonin syndrome, and/or potentially fatal respiratory depression. If concomitant use is needed, closely monitor patients for decreased efficacy or signs of opioid withdrawal syndrome, and consider increasing the dose of traMADol as necessary. If a CYP3A4 inducer is being discontinued, consider traMADol dose reduction and closely monitor patients for signs of seizures, serotonin syndrome, respiratory depression, or sedation1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of traMADol
Common questions
Can I take Bexarotene and Tramadol together?
Reduced traMADol exposure and reduced efficacy of traMADol Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Bexarotene and Tramadol interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
From our Q&A
Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Bexarotene or Tramadol need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: Tramadol hydrochloride oral tablets, tramadol hydrochloride oral tablets. Strides Pharma, Inc (per DailyMed), East Brunswick, NJ, 2025. DailyMed
Keep reading about Tramadol
Keep reading about Bexarotene
These medications also interact with supplements
Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:
major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.
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