Reproductive Toxicity Induced by Tramadol Exposure in Female Albino Rats

Background: Tramadol, a widely abused opioid analgesic, has been linked to various adverse effects, including potential reproductive toxicity. This study evaluated the effect of tramadol on reproductive toxicities in female albino rats. Methods: Sixty albino rats (40 females and 20 males) were used in a completely randomized design. The 40 females were divided into five groups (eight per group). Group A served as control, while groups B, C, D, and E received 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BW of tramadol orally for 28 days. After treatment, females were mated with males (1:2 ratio) for seven days until pregnancy confirmation. Pregnant rats were euthanized on days 11–12 of gestation to assess implant counts and induced dominant lethal mutation indices (IDLM). Remaining females completed gestation, and litter size, litter weight at birth and weaning, and offspring survival index were recorded. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, and significant differences were identified using the post hoc Tukey test, assuming that the data were normally distribution and homogeneous variance. Results: Tramadol exposure resulted in a significant dose-dependent reduction (p>0.05) in kidney, liver, lung, heart and spleen weights, as well as decrease in the number of live implants, conception rate, and litter size and weight. The number of dead implants and IDLM rates significantly increased in tramadol-treated groups compared to controls, with all effects dose-dependent. Conclusion: This study indicates that tramadol can induce reproductive toxicity in female rats, highlighting the need for cautious prescription and awareness campaigns against tramadol abuse.