Ultracet - an overview
The FDA has approved Ultracet for usage of five days or fewer to manage acute pain. This is an analgesic that is centrally acting. It works to control pain differently than NSAIDs, which are the most popular type of pain medications. Because of this, Ultracet does not have the effects that NSAID usage has, including bleeding or gastrointestinal ulcers.
Ultracet contains Ultram, which is a top prescription analgesic, as well as acetaminophen. Research has found that this combination is much more effective than treatment with any medication on its own because it lasts longer than acetaminophen and starts working more quickly than tramadol.
What it does
Ultracet is made up of the medications tramadol hydrochloride and acetaminophen. Tramadol is a pain reliever that is an opioid. While it isn't completely understood how tramadol eases pain, it has been found that one of the Ultracet metabolites binds to the opioid receptors similarly to morphine and can also have some effect on the brain chemicals called norepinephrine and serotonin.
Acetaminophen, chemical name "APAP", is a fever reducer and analgesic that is often in over the counter pain medications including Tylenol. The combination of acetaminophen and tramadol helps to make Ultracet a very effective pain reliever.
The maker
Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. in conjunction with Janssen Ortho, LLC is the maker of Ultracet. The generic forms of this medication are made by many different companies.
Secondary Effects
Some of the secondary effects of Ultracet include: sleepiness, an increase in sweating and constipation.
In some who have been given treatment with tramadol, seizures have occurred. The risk for seizures has been shown to increase with dosages that are higher than recommended. It also has been found to increase the risk of seizures in those that are taking the listed medications:
- Tricylic antidepressants
- SSRIs
- Opioids
You should seek emergency medical attention if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to this medication that include: trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, throat, tongue or face; hives. You should stop taking this medication and call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following serious secondary effects:
- Agitation, overactive reflexes, hallucinations
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Fast heart rate, loss of coordination, fainting
- Fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
- Skin rash that blisters, peels or is red
- Weak pulse and/or shallow breathing
Generic forms
At this time, the generic form of Ultracet is made by many manufacturers.
