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:: What is Ultracet?
Ultracet is a FDA-approved pain-relief medication used for the short-term treatment of moderate to moderately severe acute pain. It is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, based in Raritan, New Jersey, USA.
Ultracet contains the prescription medication Tramadol (the same active ingredient as in Ultram  ) in combination with Acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol, the most commonly recommended over-the–counter pain medication).
You can buy brand Ultracet by going to our Ultracet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ultracet prices, no prior prescription required.
If this is your first time ordering Ultracet online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Ultracet?
Ultracet should be used for patients who need effective short-term (less then 5 days) relief from many kinds of acute pain including strains and sprains, post-operative pain, joint pain flares (from osteoarthritis), and muscle aches.
Since Ultracet does not have anti-inflammatory activity, it may be combined with other medications including aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or newer prescription NSAIDs (COX-2 inhibitors) for greater pain relief.
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:: Who should not take Ultracet?
You should not take Ultracet if you:
- Are dependent on or using opioids (codeine, morphine, etc).
- Are allergic to Ultracet, Tramadol, Aacetaminophen, or any products containing
opioid medicines (codeine, morphine).
- Have severe liver disease.
It is important to let your doctor know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking especially MAOI, SSRI antidepressants or any sedative medications, and if you have or have had other medical conditions especially head injury, brain tumor, seizure disorder, breathing problems, liver problems, kidney problems or alcohol/drug dependence. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Ultracet is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Ultracet is secreted in human milk, which can lead to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Ultracet.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Ultracet. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What are the different types of pain?
Pain can be chronic or acute.
Chronic pain is experiencing pain consistently and for an extended period of time. Chronic pain is usually caused by an underlying medical condition such as cancer, arthritis, nervous system damage and muscloskeletal disorders among others.
Acute pain is short-term pain and is usually associated with a specific event. Acute pain can include post-operative pain, pain from an accident, injury or over usage of joints and muscles including acute back, muscle, and joint pain from sprains, strains, fractures and broken bones.
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:: How does Ultracet work?
Although it is not known exactly how Ultracet works to help relieve pain, laboratory studies suggest at least two methods may explain its effects:
First, Tramadol and its metabolite (compound it is transformed into) bind directly to opioid receptors in the nervous system acting directly on the brain and spinal cord reducing the amount of pain.
Second, it influences the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, which reduces the size of the pain signal passed from one nerve to another.
Ultracet’s combination of tramadol and non-prescription acetaminophen provides pain relief more quickly than tramadol alone and for a longer period of time than acetaminophen alone.
Ultracet is different from both NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, and other pain medications such as codeine or morphine.
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:: How well does Ultracet work?
Arthritis pain: A study of over 300 patients with osteoarthritis flare-up pain in the knee or hip showed that adding Ultracet to an NSAID or COX-2 medicine significantly decreased pain intensity and increased pain relief. Patients reported that their ability to function physically and their overall osteoarthritis symptoms had improved with the addition of Ultracet.
Post-surgical pain from dental procedures: A study of 200 patients with moderate to severe pain after dental surgery (removing impacted molars) comparing the effect of Ultracet with Lorcet (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) showed that both Ultracet and Lorcet provided effective pain relief. The pain relief was for the same period of time with both medications and patients receiving Ultracet reported 50% less nausea and vomiting than those receiving Lorcet. This means that Ultracet allows you to feel better with less side effects without having to turn to a stronger prescription pain medicine.
Post-surgical pain after a procedure on the knee or shoulder, or after a hernia repair: This study compared Ultracet to Tylenol with Codeine and found that they both provide effective pain relief but 50% fewer patients who took Ultracet reported constipation than patients who took Tylenol with Codeine. Again, this shows that Ultracet allows you to feel better with fewer side effects without having to turn to a stronger prescription pain medicine.
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:: How safe is Ultracet?
Ultracet has been used as a pain reliever since 2001, but its active ingredient Tramadol has been used since 1995. Its safety and efficacy profile have been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Ultracet has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat moderate to moderately severe acute pain. However, Ultracet may not be for everyone. Make sure to read about Who should not take Ultracet? .
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:: What does Ultracet look like?
Ultracet (37.5mg Tramadol hydrochloride combined with
325mg acetaminophen) made by Ortho-McNeil, comes as oblong, light yellow, film-coated tablets, with the imprint
O-M on one side and 650 on the other side.
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:: How do I take Ultracet?
Ultracet comes in 37.5mg tramadol/325mg acetaminophen tablets only. Ultracet may be taken with or without food. Do not take more than 2 tablets in a four-hour period or more than 8 tablets per day.
You should take Ultracet as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Usual Adult Dose
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day for five days or less.
Patients with kidney problems and elderly patients may require lower doses.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: What if I miss a dose of Ultracet?
Ultracet is usually taken on an as-needed basis therefore missing a dose is not a problem. Otherwise, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and do not take another dose for the amount of time prescribed. Do not take an extra tablet to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more tablets, or tablets more frequently, than your doctor prescribed as this may result in serious side effects.
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:: How should I store Ultracet?
Keep Ultracet and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Ultracet at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What is the difference between Ultracet and Ultram?
Ultram contains Tramadol only, one of the ingredients of Ultracet. Ultracet contains Tramadol together with acetaminophen (also known as the brand Tylenol). Both Ultram and Ultracet are manufactured by Ortho-McNeil.
Ultracet’s combination of Tramadol and non-prescription Acetaminophen provides faster pain relief than Tramadol alone and lasts longer than Acetaminophen alone, therefore providing better pain relief than either medicine used alone.
Since Ultracet is faster acting than Ultram, Ultracet is therefore recommended for people who suffer from acute pain, while Ultram is more appropriate for people who suffer from chronic pain. Since Ultracet contains Acetaminophen, it may not be for everyone (patients with liver disease).
To learn more, see our Ultram (Tramadol) FAQ .
For prices, see our Ultram price comparison page and select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ultram prices, no prior prescription needed.
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:: What else can I do to help relieve my pain?
In addition to taking your pain medication, simple changes to your daily activities and environment can help keep your pain under control.
Daily Activities:
1. Always take your medication properly as prescribed by your doctor
2. Get at least 8 hours of sleep nightly
3. Start a simple exercise program*
4. Practice mental and physical relaxation therapy
5. Get body massages
6. Use hot or cold packs
7. Have a sensible diet plan*
8. Consider physical therapy
* Losing weight by eating healthy and simple exercising, especially stretching, may significantly reduce pressure on your joints and help relieve stress on your muscles.
See our extensive Weight Loss FAQ for many guidelines including:
- How many calories should I consume in order to lose weight?
- How much weight should I lose?
- What kind of activities can I do?
- How many calories can I burn doing various activities?
- Sample exercise plans
- Sample reduced calorie menus
Changes to your environment:
1. In order to avoid pain in your hands, fingers and joints, use pain friendly devices
that simplify tasks to minimize strain, such as electric can openers.
2. Have rocker light switches, easy to open door handles and faucet handles
installed throughout your home.
3. Wear clothing with zippers instead of buttons, and shoes that are easy to put on
and off, such as Velcro straps instead of shoelaces.
Be sure to ask your doctor about these and other types of non-drug pain management techniques that might be right for you. You can also ask for referrals to specific providers of these services.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Ultracet?
The most common side effects reported in clinical studies were constipation, sleepiness and sweating. These side effects were usually experienced during the beginning of therapy.
There is a rare chance that people taking Ultracet may have a seizure. The chance of this happening increases if you:
- Have or have had a seizure disorder (epilepsy), head trauma or nervous system
infections.
- Take more than the recommended dose of Ultracet or medications
containing Tramadol such as Ultram.
- Are abruptly discontinuing use of alcohol or sedatives.
- Take medicines such as MAOI, SSRI, TCA or other opioids.
Take Ultracet as directed by your doctor to reduce the chance of experiencing a seizure. If you experience a seizure while taking Ultracet, stop taking the tablets immediately, contact your doctor, and do not restart Ultracet.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: What other precautions should I take when taking Ultracet
(Tramadol)?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Ultracet, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Ultracet may make you dizzy or sleepy. Use caution before driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Consumption of Alcohol:
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Ultracet. It can result in serious side effects.
Medication Interactions:
Before taking Ultracet, tell your doctor, during a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. Some medications can increase side effects such as drowsiness or increase the risk of seizure, and are best avoided while taking Ultracet. Do not take over-the counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other Tramadol (Ultram) preparations unless specifically instructed to by your physician. See What are the possible drug interactions of Ultracet?
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Ultracet is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Ultracet is secreted in human milk, which can lead to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Ultracet.
Kidney and Liver Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Ultracet. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Adults over 65 years old:
Dosing should be more conservative as drug effects may be more pronounced due to medical conditions and other multiple drug therapy.
Do NOT share your Ultracet prescription with others, this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Ultracet?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, prescription and non-prescription. Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Ultracet, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine),
Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate
(tranylcypromine)- increased risk of seizure.
- Antipsychotic medications including Haldol (haloperidol) and phenothiazines such
as Thorazine (chlorpromazine), Mellaril (thioridazine), Prolixin (fluphenazine),
Serentil (mesoridazine), Trilafon (perphenazine) - increased risk of seizure and side effects.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin
(amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil
(trimipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil
(imipramine), Vivactil (protriptyline)- increased risk of seizure and side effects.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as: Celexa
(citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil
(paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram)- increased risk of seizure.
- Other products containing Tramadol (Ultram) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)- risk of
increased side effects.
- Narcotic pain relievers such as codeine, Duragesic (fentanyl), Dilaudid
(hydromorphone), Demerol (meperidine), Vicodin/Lorcet/Lortab (hydrocodone),
MS Contin/Roxanol (morphine), Percocet/Percodan (oxycodone), Darvon/Darvocet
(propoxyphene)- increased risk of seizure and side effects.
- Phenergan (promethazine) or Compazine (prochlorperazine)- increased risk of
seizure and side effects.
- Wellbutrin/Zyban (bupropion)- increased risk of seizure.
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)- increased risk of seizure.
- Lanoxin (digoxin) and Coumadin (warfarin)- Ultracet affects these
medications’ potency.
- Any sedative hypnotics to help you sleep, pain reliever, muscle relaxer,
antihistamine, anxiety medication or alcohol- risk of increased side effects
especially drowsiness and reduced breathing rate.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Ultracet.
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:: Can I take Ultracet if I drink alcohol?
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Ultracet. It can result in serious side effects.
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:: Can I become dependent on Ultracet?
Opioid pain relievers such as Ultracet can cause dependence or a need to continue taking medication. Dependence or addiction is more common when a medication is used at high doses or for a long period of time. Although anyone can become dependent, it is more likely if you have been dependent on alcohol or other drugs in the past.
Stopping Ultracet abruptly may lead to an adjustment period for your body and you may experience withdrawal side effects. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. If you have been taking Ultracet in large doses or for a long period of time, you should consult your doctor before stopping therapy. Your doctor may decide it is best to gradually reduce the dose to help minimize withdrawal side effects. Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, sweating, insomnia, rigors, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, and rarely panic attacks and hallucinations.
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:: What are symptoms of a possible Ultracet overdose?
Symptoms of overdose may include reduced breathing rate, severe drowsiness, coma, seizure and cardiac arrest. If overdose is suspected, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center telephone number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Ultracet available over the counter?
No. Ultracet is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Ultracet prescription online?
Go to our Ultracet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ultracet prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Ultracet online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Ultracet cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Ultracet prices before buying.
Usually, the more pills you buy, the cheaper the price per pill.
See our Ultracet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ultracet prices, no prior prescription needed.
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:: What is generic Ultracet and is it available?
Ultracet’s generic name is Tramadol hydrochloride/Acetaminophen. Tramadol alone is available as generic, but the combination Tramadol/Acetaminophen is currently available in the United States as brand Ultracet only.
See our Ultracet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ultracet prices, no prior prescription needed.
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:: Is it safe to order Ultracet or other medications
from non-US pharmacies?
Purchasing Ultracet from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the U.S. because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Ultracet, but not contain the active ingredients Tramadol and Acetaminophen.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Ultracet approved by the FDA and manufactured by Ortho-McNeil. You can therefore choose from our list of online US pharmacies with confidence.
See our Ultracet price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Ultracet prices, no prior prescription needed.
If this is your first time ordering Ultracet online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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