Xie J, Strauss VY, Martinez-Laguna D, et al. - Researchers investigated the associations of tramadol vs codeine prescription dispensation with the risk of mortality and other clinical outcomes.

• A retrospective, population-based, propensity score–matched cohort study including 368,960 participants.

• Outcomes revealed a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 2.31), cardiovascular events (HR, 1.15), and fractures (HR, 1.50) in significant correlation with a new prescription dispensation of tramadol vs codeine.

• No significant difference was observed in terms of the risk of constipation, delirium, falls, opioid abuse/dependence, or sleep disorders.