Ultracet is a combination of two drugs tramadol Ultram and acetaminophen Tylenol that is used to relieve moderate acute pain such as pain following dental or surgical procedures. Tramadol and acetaminophen each relieve pain but they do so by different mechanisms. Tramadol achieves pain relief in two ways. It binds to the µ-opioid receptor on nerves the same mechanism that is responsible for the effectives of narcotics such as morphine and it also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by nerves. This inhibition may lead to reduced transmission of pain signals through the spinal cord to the brain. Acetaminophen achieves pain relief in the spinal cord and brain by increasing the threshold to pain that is by increasing the strength of the painful stimulus that is necessary in order to give rise to the sensation of pain. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme that makes prostaglandins. Ultracet was approved by the FDA in 2001.

The dose of tramadol and acetaminophen will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of tramadol and acetaminophen. If your dose is different do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of doses you take each day the time allowed between doses and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking tramadol and acetaminophen For oral dosage form tablets:For pain:Adults and adolescents 16 years and older?Take 2 tablets every 4?6 hours as needed for up to 5 days.Children under 16 years of age?use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Ultracet usually is well-tolerated. The most common side effects are constipation 1 in 17 patients tiredness 1 in 17 and increased sweating 1 in 25. Because tramadol is chemically related to the narcotic class of drugs such as morphine and hydrocodone Percocet it can cause psychological or physical dependence although it is less likely than narcotics to do so. An overdose of acetaminophen can result in severe liver damage.

Carbamazepine Tegretol can increase the rate of metabolic breakdown of tramadol thus making tramadol less effective.

PREGNANCY: Toxic doses of Ultracet in pregnant rats have resulted in toxic effects in the fetuses. Safe use during pregnancy has not been established.

Ultracet is used to for the short-term up to five days relief of moderately-severe acute pain.

Ultracet should be stored at room temperature between 15 and 30°C 59-86°F. It should be kept out of the reach of children.