What is Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)?
What is Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) used for?
Acute (short-term) pain
How Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) works
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) is a combination pain medication that contains tramadol (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's unclear how tramadol works in the treatment of pain, but it's thought that its activities with the mu-opioid receptor and effects on serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain may lower your perception (awareness) of pain. Acetaminophen relieves pain and lowers fevers by stopping the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause both pain and fever.
info
Are you looking for information on tramadol (Ultram) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead?
Drug Facts
Common BrandsUltracet
Drug ClassOpioid / Analgesic
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule IV
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
What are the risks and warnings for Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)?
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Addiction, abuse, and misuse
Risk factors: Mental health conditions (e.g., depression) | History of or family history of substance abuse
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) has a risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Your body can develop tolerance to Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), which means that more medication is needed to treat the same pain. You may become physically dependent on Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) if you have been using it continuously, which means that you'll feel withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly. Take only the prescribed dose. People with a history of substance abuse shouldn't take Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) if an alternative medication is available.
Medication education programs
Since Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause potentially life-threatening and deadly side effects, the manufacturers are required to provide healthcare providers with the resources to prescribe this medication properly and safely. Your provider or pharmacist will discuss the risks and benefits with taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) before you start the medication.
Life-threatening breathing problems
Risk factors: People age 65 or older | People who are severely ill | Lung disease
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause irregular or slowed breathing that can put you in a coma and can even cause death. Don't take more than what your provider prescribed to you. Always check with your provider before starting any new medications or supplements. Make sure to take special precautions to store this medication in a safe place away from the reach of children. If a child accidentally uses this medication, they may overdose, develop breathing problems, and potentially have a deadly outcome. If this happens, call the poison control center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Slowed breathing in children
Risk factors: Children with obstructive sleep apnea or lung disease | Children who are obese | Adenoid or tonsil surgery in children
Some people have a gene that causes them to process Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) too fast. Children who have this gene can be especially sensitive to this quick metabolism (breakdown) of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), which can result in slowed breathing and even death. Deadly breathing problems have also occurred in children who received Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) following removal of their tonsils or adenoids. This medication shouldn't be used in children younger than 12 years old or children between 12 and 18 years old who are at high risk for breathing problems.
Withdrawal in infants
Risk factors: Long-term use of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) during pregnancy
There is a high risk that your newborn baby could develop withdrawal symptoms if you've been using Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) for a long period of time during pregnancy. These withdrawal symptoms can be deadly for infants. If you're pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss with your provider about all of the risks that are associated with this medication before starting it.
Dangerous interactions with other medications and alcohol
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can interact with other medications, which can change how it affects your body and pain overall. Some medications can increase the levels of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) in your body and cause potentially deadly respiratory depression (slowed breathing). Other medications can lower the levels of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) in your body and lead to poor control of your pain. Some examples of medications that might interact with Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) include, certain anbiotics, antifungals, and medications used for anxiety or depression. It's also very important to avoid alcohol while on this medication, because the combination can lead to serious side effects such as slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and extreme sedation. While taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), don't start any new prescription or over-the-counter medications until confirming with your provider or pharmacist that it is safe to do so.
Liver damage
Risk factors: Taking more than 4 grams of acetaminophen a day | Taking multiple products containing acetominophen
Acetaminophen, which is in Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), has been associated with liver failure. You are at higher risk if you're taking more than one product containing acetaminophen and taking more than 4 grams a day. If you suspect that you took more than this maximum daily dose, get medical help right away, even if you're feeling okay.
Increased serotonin levels (serotonin syndrome)
Risk factors: Using other medications that affect serotonin | Using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)
Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition caused by higher levels of serotonin in the brain. Your risk goes up if you use Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) with other medications that affect serotonin, such as antidepressants, lithium, triptans, and St. John's wort. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical attention right away.
Seizures
Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking with antidepressants, medications that can cause seizures, or other opioids
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can raise your risk of seizures. If you have a history of seizures, taking medications that can cause seizures, or have risk factors for getting seizures, let your provider know so that they can monitor for new or worsening of symptoms.
Suicide risk
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) shouldn't be given to people who have a history of substance or alcohol abuse, or to people who are depressed or suicidal, because this medication can worsen those problems.
Adrenal problems
Risk factors: Using Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) for more than a month
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause your adrenal glands to not make the right amount of hormones for your body to function properly. If you experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure while taking this medication, let your provider know. Your provider may need to do a proper exam to rule out adrenal problems.
Low blood pressure
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure. You may feel dizzy and lightheaded. If you're sensitive to low blood pressures, change positions slowly, such as going from sitting to standing. If you always get low blood pressure symptoms, you may need to try a different pain medication.
Head or brain injuries
People who have brain or head injuries are at higher risk of developing extreme sedation and breathing problems while taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen). Let your provider know about all of your medical conditions before starting this medication.
Digestive tract blockage
If you have certain stomach conditions or digestive tract blockage, don't use Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), because it can worsen your problems. Let your provider know if you experience stomach pain, feeling of fullness in your stomach, or extreme constipation while taking this medication.
Withdrawal symptoms
*Risk factors: Abrupt discontinuation of
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)*
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) shouldn't be used for more than 5 days. If you are instructed by your provider to take this medication for longer than 5 days, don't stop taking it all of a sudden on your own. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms and the return of your pain. Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, yawning, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased irritability. Your provider will work with your to lower your dose slowly to avoid side effects.
Driving and operating machinery
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can affect your abilities to think, focus, and react. Be careful driving, operating machinery, or doing any dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you.
Serious allergic reactions
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. If you experience hives, swelling of your face, throat, or tongue, or difficulty breathing while taking this medication, get medical help right away. You will need to stop taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) and switch to a different medication.
Serious skin reactions
In some rare cases, Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause serious skin reactions. If you notice a rash, blisters, or skin peeling after taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), you should stop using it right away and get medical attention as quickly as possible.
Pros and cons of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)
Pros
Two pain medications conveniently combined into one tablet to provide pain relief
Has a lower chance of causing breathing problems compared to stronger opioid pain medications
Doesn't cause as much constipation compared to other opioid pain medications
Pain relief kicks in faster than using tramadol (Ultram) alone
Pain relief lasts longer than using acetaminophen (Tylenol) alone
Generic available, making it more affordable
Cons
Only used for short-term treatment of pain (less than 5 days)
Has to be taken multiple times a day
Has a risk of addiction and abuse
While taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), you need to keep track of the total amount of acetaminophen (Tylenol) you are taking to avoid liver damage.
Not best option for people with liver problems
Pharmacist tips for Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)
There are several prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol). This can become a problem when taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) because this combination medication also contains acetaminophen. If you're not sure if the medications you're taking contain acetaminophen, ask your provider or pharmacist. Limit the amount of acetaminophen you take per day to avoid any damage to your liver.
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) should only be used for 5 days or less for acute (short-term) pain. There is a risk for addiction, abuse, and misuse with this medication. Therefore, try to take the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time that's needed to treat your pain.
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can make you sleepy. Avoid driving or other tasks that require you to be alert until you know how this medication affects you.
Don't take Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) with alcohol. The acetaminophen component of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause liver damage, and alcohol can raise this risk. Additionally, taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) with alcohol can raise your risk of extreme sedation (drowsiness), breathing problems, coma, and even death.
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, such as from sitting to standing. This is especially common when you first start Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) and when the dose is changed. Be careful when changing positions to avoid falling and hurting yourself.
Frequently asked questions about Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)
Is Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) the same thing as tramadol (Ultram)?
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No, Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) is not quite the same thing as tramadol (Ultram). Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) is a combination medication that contains both tramadol and acetaminophen, whereas tramadol is just one ingredient. While taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen), it's important to avoid any other tramadol- or acetaminophen-containing products, because you may take too much of either ingredient, which raises your risk of side effects.
Do I take Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) with food?
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You can take Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) with food if you have an upset stomach or nausea after taking it. When taken with food, Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) may take a little bit longer to kick in. However, you'll still eventually absorb the same amount of medication, but the pain relief just make take longer to achieve.
Can I take Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)?
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Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can be taken with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), if needed. Instead of taking them at the same time, try alternating them with each other so you give each medication time to kick in. With this being said, you should always consult with your provider or pharmacist before starting any new medications while taking Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen).
How fast does Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) work?
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Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) starts working in less than 1 hour after taking it. If you take it with food, it may take longer to start to work.
Can Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) make you sleepy?
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Yes, Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) can make you sleepy. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires full alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) dosage forms
Tablet
| Dosage | As low as |
|---|---|
| 37.5mg/325mg | $159.89 for 60 tablets |
Typical dosing for Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)
Your provider will work with you to prescribe the right dose of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) for your individual needs. It's recommended to use the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration of time to manage your pain.
In general, the starting dose is 2 tablets by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
Each tablet contains 37.5 mg of tramadol and 325 mg of acetaminophen.
How much does Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Ultracet (brand)
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen) (generic)
What are alternatives to Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Ultracet (tramadol / acetaminophen)
Used for:
Acute (short-term) pain
$15.78 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Used for:
Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
$20.10 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
Tylenol with Codeine
Used for:
Treatment of mild-to-moderate pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
$8.61 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
