Information on Ultracet

Pronounced: UL-tra-set
Generic ingredients: Tramadol hydrochloride, Acetaminophen

Why is Ultracet prescribed?

Ultracet is used to treat moderate to severe pain for a period of five days or less. It contains two pain-relieving agents. Tramadol, known technically as an opioid analgesic, is a narcotic pain reliever. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter pain remedy Tylenol.

Most important fact about Ultracet

Take only the amount and number of doses prescribed. Exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to reduced breathing, liver damage, seizures, and death.

How should you take Ultracet?

Follow dosage recommendations strictly, and stop taking the drug as soon as possible.

--If you miss a dose...

Take this drug only as needed. Never take two doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store Ultracet in a tight container at room temperature.

What Ultracet side effects may occur?

More common side effects may include:

• constipation
• increased sweating
• sleepiness

Less common side effects may include:

• abdominal pain
• anxiety
• appetite loss
• confusion
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• exaggerated feeling of well-being
• fatigue
• gas
• headache
• hot flushes
• indigestion
• insomnia
• itching
• nausea
• nervousness
• prostate disorders
• rash
• tremor
• vomiting
• weakness

Rare side effects may include:

• abnormal thinking
• abnormal vision
• amnesia
• anemia
• burning or prickling skin
• chest pain
• chills
• convulsions
• coordination problems
• dark or bloody stools or vomit
• depersonalization
• depression
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• drug abuse
• emotional instability
• fainting
• hallucination
• high blood pressure
• impotence
• involuntary muscle contractions
• irregular or rapid heartbeat
• low blood pressure
• migraines or worsening of existing migraines
• morbid dreams
• muscle rigidity
• palpitation
• ringing in the ears
• stupor
• swollen tongue
• urinary problems
• vertigo
• weight decrease
• withdrawal syndrome

Why should Ultracet NOT be prescribed?

Avoid Ultracet if you have had an allergic reaction to either of its active ingredients, or to any other narcotic pain reliever. Do not take this drug if you have been drinking, or have taken any other narcotic drug, sleep aid, tranquilizer, or antidepressant; your consciousness or breathing could be compromised. Avoid this drug if you've ever been dependent on other narcotic pain relievers.

Special warnings about Ultracet

Ultracet has caused serious and even fatal allergic reactions in some people, typically after the first dose. Seek medical help immediately if you begin to have trouble breathing or break out in hives or blisters.

Ultracet may cause seizures, particularly in those with epilepsy, a history of seizures, or in those at special risk for seizures, such as people with head trauma, metabolic disorders, or central nervous system infections, and those going through alcohol or drug withdrawal.

Inform your doctor if you have had a head injury, as Ultracet can increase pressure around the brain. Also let the doctor know if you have liver disease, since Ultracet can affect the liver.

Do not take this drug if you will be driving a car or operating dangerous machinery. Ultracet may impair the mental and physical abilities needed for driving.

Ultracet poses a danger of mental and physical addiction. Never exceed the prescribed dosage. If you experience withdrawal symptoms--which can occur if you stop taking the drug abruptly--consult your doctor for a tapering regimen. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, chills, diarrhea, hallucinations, insomnia, nausea, pain, erection of hair, sweating, tremors, and upper respiratory symptoms.

The safety and effectiveness of Ultracet have not been established in children under the age of 16 years.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

If Ultracet is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ultracet with the following:

• Acetaminophen-containing products such as Tylenol
• Antidepressant drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate
• Antipsychotic drugs such as Thorazine and Haldol
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Other narcotic pain relievers such as Percodan and Vicodin
• Promethazine (Phenergan)
• Serotonin-boosting antidepressants such as Paxil and Prozac
• Sleep aids such as Halcion and Restoril
• Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
• Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Taken during pregnancy, Ultracet can be fatal to the developing baby, or lead to seizures and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Ultracet appears in breast milk and is not recommended for nursing mothers.

Recommended Ultracet dosage

ADULTS
The usual dose of Ultracet is two tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day for no more than 5 days.

If you have kidney problems, the doctor may reduce the dose to 2 tablets every 12 hours. Older adults may also receive a low dose.

Ultracet Overdose

An Ultracet overdose can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Symptoms of Ultracet overdose may include:

• cardiac arrest
• coma
• depressed breathing
• a generally ill feeling
• lethargy
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pallor
• profuse perspiration
• seizures
• vomiting