Ultracet is an oral prescription medication available in tablet form. It contains the drugs tramadol hydrochloride and acetaminophen. According to information provided by the drug manufacturer, Ultracet may be taken for up to five days for acute pain. This drug may be habit-forming or addictive, so should only be taken as prescribed.
Neurological Side Effects
Common neurological side effects include headache, dizziness, sleepiness, sedation and a feeling one is about to fall. Less common side effects include seizures, euphoria, inability to control muscle movements, increased muscle tone, decreased consciousness, memory loss, mood swings, depression, paranoia, abnormal thinking, nervousness, anxiety, hot flushness, numb or tingling skin, loss of strength, insomnia, confusion, tremor, fainting, increased dreaming, vision problems, ringing in the ear and seizures.
Cardiovascular and Blood-Related Side Effects
A common cardiovascular side effect is low blood pressure. Less common side effects include chest pain, low heart rate, fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, a sensation that the heart is pounding in the chest, high blood pressure, low blood sugar, low blood platelet level, low white blood cell level, low red blood cell level and methemoglobinemia (a disorder in which a high level of a type of hemoglobin is present in the blood and a bluish hue to the skin arises).
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Common gastrointestinal side effects of Ultracet include nausea, vomiting and constipation. Less common side effects include gas, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, indigestion, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dry mouth, blood in the stool, swollen tongue, liver toxicity and liver failure.
Skin-Related Side Effects
A common skin-related side effect is increased sweating. Less common side effects include yellowed skin, rash, itching, hives and paleness.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects are uncommon and include difficulty breathing, prostate problems, impotence, weight loss, potential for abuse, withdrawal syndrome, fever with shaking, albumin in the urine, voiding less urine than normal, retaining urine, incontinence, acute kidney failure and renal tubular necrosis (a kidney disorder involving damage to the cells of the kidneys). According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, a hypersensitivity reaction can occur, manifested by fever and rash. Shock due to severe allergy can also occur.
Considerations
Liver toxicity and liver failure can occur with long-term use of acetaminophen (a component of this medication). Do not take this drug along with other drugs containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol. According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, you should avoid tasks that require alertness while taking this medication. The drug manufacturer states that safety and effectiveness have not been established for children. Ultracet should not be taken while breastfeeding.
References
- Ortho-McNeil: Ultracet Full Prescribing Information
- 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide: Tramadol Hydrochloride and Acetaminophen
- RxList: Ultracet Side Effects
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