Ultram

Generic name: Tramadol

Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)

Dosage forms: Immediate-Release Tablet, Extended-Release Tablet, Capsule, Injectable Solution

Root of administration: Oral, Intravenous, Intramuscular

Dose: 50, 100 mg

Mechanism of action: Ultram is a pain medicine similar to an opioid. It acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

Drug usage cases: Ultram is used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. The extended-release form of tramadol (Ultram ER) is for around-the-clock treatment of pain. Ultram ER is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.

Drug contra indications: You should not take Ultram if you are allergic to tramadol, or if you have:

severe asthma or breathing problems; a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus); if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications; or if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine). Ultram should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old. Ultram ER should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old. Do not give Ultram to anyone younger than 18 years old who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids. Seizures have occurred in some people taking Ultram. Your seizure risk may be higher if you have ever had:

a head injury, epilepsy or other seizure disorder; drug or alcohol addiction; or a metabolic disorder.

To make sure Ultram is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

breathing problems, sleep apnea; liver or kidney disease; urination problems; problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid; a stomach disorder; or mental illness, or suicide attempt.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ultram (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling). Tramadol can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Call your doctor at once if you have:

noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep; a slow heart rate or weak pulse; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; seizure (convulsions); or low cortisol levels – nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness. Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Serious breathing problems may be more likely in older adults and people who are debilitated or have wasting syndrome or chronic breathing disorders.

Warnings: You should not take Ultram if you have severe breathing problems, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic medication, or an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others). Ultram can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Fatal side effects can occur if you use tramadol with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Taking Ultram during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you use tramadol during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Ask a doctor before using tramadol if you are breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.