Drug Name

Ultracet (Acetaminophen/Tramadol)

Drug Uses

Ultracet is used for a short-term treatment (5 days or less) of pain.

How Taken

Use Ultracet as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Ultracet by mouth with or without food.
• Do not use Ultracet for more than 5 days unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• Do not take more than 8 tablets per day. Do not take more than 4 tablets per day if you have kidney problems.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Ultracet is an analgesic combination. It works in certain areas of the brain and nervous system to decrease pain. The combination may provide better pain relief than either medicine alone.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Ultracet, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Ultracet at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Ultracet out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Ultracet if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Ultracet or any other codeine or morphine related medicine (e.g., codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, hydromorphone);
• you have severe diarrhea due to taking an antibiotic;
• you are intoxicated with alcohol, other opioids or narcotics (eg, morphine, codeine), sedatives or sleeping medicines (eg, temazepam, zolpidem), or other medicines;
• you are taking nefazodone or carbamazepine;
• you have liver problems;
• you are taking any other medicine containing tramadol or acetaminophen.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Ultracet may cause drowsiness and dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Ultracet with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Ultracet ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Ultracet may cause dizziness; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase this effect. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of this effect.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Ultracet before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Ultracet has acetaminophen in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has acetaminophen in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Talk to your doctor before you take Ultracet if you drink more than 3 drinks with alcohol per day. Ultracet may cause stomach bleeding. Your risk may be greater if you drink alcohol while you are using Ultracet.
• Ultracet should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Ultracet has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Ultracet while you are pregnant. Ultracet is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe seizures (convulsions).

More Information

Ultracet is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.