What is Ultracet?
Ultracet consists of tramadol and acetaminophen. Tramadol is a painkiller that is similar to opioids (sometimes known as narcotics) and could be habit-forming. Acetaminophen is an ineffective pain reliever that can enhance the effects of tramadol.
Ultracet is prescribed for the short-term (5 days and less) treatment of acute severe pain. Ultracet is only available under an exclusive program. You must be enrolled in the program and be aware of the potential risks and benefits of this medication.
Warnings
The misuse of opioids could lead to addiction, overdose, or even death. Keep Ultracet where other people can't reach it. The risk of fatal side effects can occur if you consume alcohol or other substances that result in drowsiness or slow breathing.
Do not take Ultracet in the case of serious breathing issues, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you've recently taken one of the MAO inhibitors.Don't offer Ultracet to anyone who is younger than 12 years old or to anyone younger than 18 who has recently undergone surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids. The use of Ultracet during pregnancy could trigger withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening for the baby.
Prior to use this drug
It is not recommended to use ultracet if you have an allergy to acetaminophen (tylenol) or tramadol (ultram) or:
- Extremely severe asthma or breathing issues caused by a blockage of the stomach or intestines (stomach or the bowels) or
- If you've used an mao inhibitor within the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid, linezolid blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine,
Ultracet has been ruled out as not certified for usage by anyone less than twelve years of age. Don't administer this medication to anyone under 18 years old who has recently undergone an operation to remove tonsils or adenoids. Seizures are common in patients who take tramadol. Your risk of having a seizure could be greater in the event that you've had:
- A metabolic disorder;
- Breathing issues, sleep apnea breathing problems, sleep apnea brain trauma, brain tumor seizures, breathing issues;
- Addiction or addiction to drugs, or if you've recently taken tranquilizers, sedatives, or narcotic drugs.
To ensure that Ultracet is suitable for you, ask your doctor if you've ever experienced:
- Liver illness, or consume alcohol;
- Kidney diseases (or if you're on dialysis) or urination issues;
- Issues with your pancreas, thyroid gland, or gallbladder; o
- Depression, mental illness, or suicide attempts.
The use of Ultracet during pregnancy could cause withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening for the baby. Long-term use of opioids can affect fertility (the ability to bear kids) in men or women. It is not yet known if the effects of opioids on fertility are lasting.
Talk to a doctor prior to taking Ultracet if you're nursing. Tell your doctor when you experience extreme sleepiness or a slow breathing rate in a nursing infant.
Similar/related drugs
aspirin, acetaminophen, tramadol, naproxen, oxycodone, and tylenol
How to take Ultracet?
Use Ultracet as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and review all medication guides and instructions sheets. Don't use Ultracet in higher quantities or for a longer period than the prescribed Inform your doctor if you notice an increase in your desire to take more Ultracet. Do not share Ultracet with another person, especially one who has a history of addiction. ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH can result from the drug's MISUSE. Store the medication in a place away from the reach of others who might need it. The selling or distribution of this medication is against the law. The recommended dosage for Ultracet is 2 tablets per dose, or 8 tablets a day. Do not take this drug for more than 5 days in succession. Do not exceed four thousand mg of acetaminophen within 24 hours.
You can take Ultracet either with or without food, but you must take it in the same manner each time. Do not stop taking Ultracet abruptly. Follow the instructions of your physician regarding tapering your dosage.
Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture. Don't keep any leftover Ultracet. One dose could cause death for someone who has used the drug in error or incorrectly. Ask your pharmacist about a program to take back your prescriptions. It is also possible to mix the remaining medicine with coffee grounds or cat litter in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of the bag in the garbage.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose of Ultracet for Pain:
Usual dosage: 2 tablets each between 4 and 6 hours, as required for the pain.
Maximum dose: 8 tablets per day.
Maximum duration: 5 days
Comments:
Each tablet has Tramadol (37.5 mg) and Acetaminophen (325 mg). Maximum doses for daily use are Tramadol 300 mg daily and Acetaminophen 2600 mg daily.
The use of more than one product at a time that contains acetaminophen should not be allowed.
Due to the dangers of addiction, abuse, or misuse of this medication, it is only available to patients who are not or aren't expected to be able to handle non-opioid pain medication, or who haven't had the opportunity or were not able to get analgesia from other treatments for pain management.
Use: for short-term (use should be restricted to a maximum of 5 days) treatment of acute pain that is severe enough to warrant an opioid analgesic in cases where other treatments are not sufficient.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Since Ultracet is a medication for pain, you're not likely to miss a dose. Do not take any dose missed in the event that it's nearing time to take the next dose. Don't take two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek immediate attention. You can also dial for help at the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. A dose of poison could be fatal, particularly for children or those who are taking this medication without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness and numbness of the pupils, a slow breathing rate, or not breathing.
In the event of an overdose, be sure the person who is responsible for you understands where you store the naloxone and the best way to apply it.
Avoid this
Don't drink or consume alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death may occur. Be careful not to get up too quickly from a lying or seated position. You could get dizzy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are aware of the extent to which Ultracet can affect you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to using any other medications that contain acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated APAP).
Side effects of Ultracet
See a doctor immediately if you show symptoms warnings of an allergy reaction due to Ultracet (hives or breathing problems or swelling in your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burnt eyes, irritation; the skin may be red or purple with peeling and blistering).
Ultracets may slow or stop breathing, and death could occur. Anyone who cares for you must give naloxone or seek emergency medical attention if there is prolonged breathing, pauses in your breathing, blue-colored lips, or if you find it difficult to get back up.
Ultracets may cause serious side effects. Stop taking this medication and consult your physician anytime if you experience:
- Sighing, noisy breathing, deep breathing sleep apnea (breathing ceases while you sleep), or a lightheaded sensation that you feel like you're passing out seizures;
- Low heart rate low pulse fainting breath, slow breathing (breathing could cease) chest pain
- Liver issues: stomach discomfort, weight loss, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Low levels of cortisol low cortisol levels, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Dizziness, fatigue that is worsening, or weakness
- Serotonin levels that are elevated within your body: the body's agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, high heart rate, muscle stiffness, losing coordination, twitching, diarrhea;
- Lower blood sodium Low blood sodium, headache and confusion, or problems with memory or thinking weakness, unsteadiness,
- Low blood sugar > headache, hunger, and weakness. It can also cause sweating and irritability. Rapid heart rate, dizziness, or feeling nervous.
The presence of serious breathing issues is more common in older adults, those with a debilitating condition, or those who suffer from the syndrome of wasting or chronic breathing disorders.
The most common side effects of Ultracet include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, sweating, or
- Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications in conjunction with other medications. Certain drugs may affect the blood levels and the other medications you take, which could create side effects or render the medications less effective.
It is possible to die from an Ultracet overdose when you begin or stop using other medications. Discuss with your doctor the medications you are taking.
Other drugs may be harmful when combined with Ultracet.
Tell your doctor when you are using:
- Medicines for asthma, allergies, high blood pressure, motion sickness, and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as an overactive bladder;
- Other opioid drugs;
- Sleep medications, muscle relaxers, or other medications that cause you to feel sleepy, or a benzodiazepine such as valium, klonopin, and xanax,
- Serotonin-related drugs serotonin-related drugs, for example, antidepressants and stimulants they also include medications to treat migraines and parkinson's disease.
This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications can be incompatible with tramadol and acetaminophen, which include prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies. The interactions of all potential drugs are mentioned in this medication guide.
