Tramadol
Summary
Persistence. It cannot be excluded that tramadol is persistent, due to lack of data.
Bioaccumulation. It cannot be excluded that tramadol bioaccumulates, due to lack of data.
Toxicity. It cannot be excluded that tramadol is toxic, due to lack of data.
Risk. Based on measured levels in surface water and fat solubility, it may be thought that tramadol can accumulate in fish at concentrations approaching therapeutic concentrations in humans, but actual measurements in Sweden indicate significantly lower ability to bioconcentrate. Available efficacy data do not indicate any risk of environmental impact, but mechanism-based studies are lacking. Tramadol is highly persistent in the environment. From the report Goodpoint 2016.
Environmental information is missing on fass.se for tramadol (2025-11-18).
Detailed information
Report Goodpoint 2016
Based on measured levels in surface water and fat solubility, it may be thought that tramadol can accumulate in fish at concentrations approaching therapeutic concentrations in humans, but actual measurements in Sweden indicate significantly lower ability to bioconcentrate. Available efficacy data do not indicate any risk of environmental impact, but mechanism-based studies are lacking. Tramadol is highly persistent in the environment.
Pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment in Sweden
In measurements conducted in 2025, tramadol was detected in treated wastewater and surface water in Region Stockholm. In drinking water measurements carried out in 2024, which are performed less frequently, tramadol was also detected.
Tramadol has been found in spiders
Tramadol was one of the top 5 most frequently detected pharmaceuticals in spiders (article Richmond et al. 2018).
References
- Goodpoint. Prioritering av läkemedel med miljörisk inom SLL. Stockholm: Goodpoint; 2016. Rapport LS 2016–0634.
- Provtagningar av läkemedelsrester i vatten, sediment och fisk för Region Stockholm.
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd. Fick J, Lindberg RH, Kaj L, Brorström-Lundén E. Results from the Swedish National Screening Programme 2010. Subreport 3, B 2014 Pharmaceuticals.
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute Ltd Fick J, Lindberg RH, Fång J, Magnér J, Kaj L, Brorström-Lundén E. Screening 2014. Analysis of pharmaceuticals and hormones in samples from WWTPs and receiving waters. Rapport C 135.
- Stockholm Vatten. Läkemedelsrester i Stockholms vattenmiljö. 2010. ISBN 978-91-633-6642-0.
- Richmond EK, Rosi EJ, Walters DM, Fick J, Hamilton SK, Brodin T et al. A diverse suite of pharmaceuticals contaminates stream and riparian food webs. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):4491.
Author: Health and Medical Care Administration, Region Stockholm