Q: What is Ultracet?
A: Ultracet is a short-term pain relief medication. Doctors often prescribe Ultracet for up to five days in order to relieve moderate to acute pain such as pain that may follow surgical or dental procedures.
Q: What are the active ingredients in Ultracet?
A: Ultracet contains an opioid analgesic called tramadol, as well as acetaminophen, which is an analgesic and antipyretic.
Q: How does Ultracet work?
A: Ultracet provides pain relief in the following ways:
- The tramadol analgesic binds to opioid receptors in the nerves, reducing or blocking the feeling of pain.
- Tramadol also limits the uptake of the chemicals norepinephrine and serotonin by the nerves. This reduces the transmission of pain signals through the spinal cord to the brain.
- The acetaminophen increases the pain threshold by inhibiting the actions of a particular enzyme so the patient experiences pain relief.
- Acetaminophen also reduces fever, if there is any.
Q: What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Ultracet?
A: Make sure to discuss your complete medical history with your healthcare provider before taking Ultracet pain relief medication, including the following:
- Any drug allergies, including any allergies to opioids and acetaminophen.
- History of blood diseases including anemia.
- Liver disease or kidney disease.
- Heart problems.
- Diabetes.
- Breathing problems or asthma.
- Drug or alcohol dependency.
- Seizures or convulsions.
- Stomach or intestinal problems.
- Recent head injury.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
- All other medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Q: Is Ultracet habit-forming?
A: The tramadol in Ultracet pain relief medication carries some risk of psychological and physical addiction. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage. Use the pain relief medication only under the guidance of your doctor or licensed pharmacist. They may suggest reducing the dosage gradually, before stopping Ultracet entirely. If you stop using Ultracet abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, tremors, chills, hallucinations, sleeplessness, or breathing problems. Seek immediate medical help if any of the withdrawal symptoms persist after stopping Ultracet.
Q: Can I use Ultracet for an extended time to treat chronic pain?
A: Ultracet is not recommended as a long term pain relief medication for the following reasons:
- Ultracet may result in dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for pain relief over a long time or if it has been used in high doses.
- When used for an extended period, you may develop a tolerance to Ultracet, which means that the medication may no longer provide adequate pain relief.
Q: How should I take Ultracet for maximum, safe pain relief?
A: Observe the following precautions while taking Ultracet for pain relief:
- Use Ultracet only under the guidance of your healthcare provider, even if you have used it earlier as a pain relief medication.
- Before you start taking Ultracet, read the patient information that comes with the medicine. However, remember that patient information provided by the manufacturer is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed physician or pharmacist.
- Take Ultracet orally, with or without food, as suggested by your doctor.
- Use Ultracet for pain relief every 4-6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 8 tablets a day.
- Use Ultracet for as long as it has been prescribed. Do not stop using the medicine abruptly without informing your doctor.
- Do not use Ultracet for pain relief for longer than the prescribed duration without talking to your doctor.
Q: Are there any drugs that I should avoid while taking Ultracet?
A: Before using Ultracet for pain relief, inform your doctor if you are using any prescription or over-the-counter medications, including another pain relief product, dietary supplements and herbal medicines.
- Using Ultracet along with some other drugs can increase the risk of seizures. This is especially true when Ultracet is combined with other opioids, certain antidepressants, neuroleptics, and other drugs that reduce the seizure threshold.
- Drugs such as carbamazepine can reduce the pain relief effect that Ultracet provides.
- Drugs such as quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and amitriptyline can increase the risk of side effects associated with Ultracet.
- Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter and combination prescription medications including cold medicine, other pain relief products, and fever medications. Using such medications along with Ultracet may increase the risk of side effects associated with excessive use of acetaminophen.
Q: Are there any activities that I should avoid while using Ultracet?
A: Use caution while engaging in the following activities while on Ultracet:
- Activities that require alertness. Ultracet may cause drowsiness, so exercise caution while driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Alcohol increases the risk of dizziness or drowsiness while using Ultracet. Excessive use of acetaminophen (an active ingredient in Ultracet) combined with daily alcohol intake increases the risk of liver damage.
Q: What are the possible side effects of using Ultracet for pain relief?
A: Ultracet is generally a well-tolerated medication; many people who take Ultracet for pain relief experience few or no side effects.
- Common side effects of Ultracet include constipation, increased perspiration, nausea, dizziness, headache, and dry mouth.
- Very rarely, serious side effects of Ultracet such as seizure, shallow breathing, weak pulse, or trouble swallowing may occur.
- If you experience any serious side effects or if the side effects of Ultracet persist or worsen, seek immediate medical help.
Q: Is it safe to use Ultracet for pain relief when I’m pregnant?
A: Ultracet is harmful to an unborn baby. Children born to mothers who used Ultracet during their pregnancy may develop conditions such as seizures, persistent crying, irritability, diarrhea, and vomiting. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking Ultracet for pain relief.
Q: Is it safe to use Ultracet for pain relief when I’m breast-feeding?
A: Ultracet passes through the breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor about using Ultracet for pain relief while breast-feeding.
For more information on Ultracet and other pain relief medications, visit our online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.
