Brand name:
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 Ultracet only as needed. Never take two doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store Ultracet in a tight container at room temperature.
Ultracet side effects
- Side effects may include:
Constipation,
increased sweating,
sleepiness
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 Ultracet 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 Ultracet 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 Ultracet
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 dosage for Ultracet
ADULTS
Overdosage
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,
and vomiting
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