1. Is Ultracet A Narcotic?
Yes. Tramadol present within Ultracet is a specific narcotic belonging to the class of opioids. It acts on the central nervous system to reduce moderate to acute pain in patients. Tramadol reduces pain and amplifies one's feeling of pleasure and hence is highly addictive.
2. Is Ultracet An Opioid?
Yes. Ultracet contains Tramadol as an opioid, a Schedule IV class of drugs; opioids relieve acute pain. They surpass the blood-brain barrier and bind to receptors present in the brain to alleviate pain and uplift happiness. In moderate doses, it is beneficial.
3. What Does Ultracet Look Like?
Ultracet tablets available on the market look like elliptical-shaped tablets, white or pale white, with strengths imprinted on the tablet. Depending on the various strengths, sizes, different brands, and marketing companies, the appearances may vary.
The most available strength is 325 mg/37.5 mg combination of Tramadol hydrochloride and Acetaminophen.
4. Is Ultracet A Steroid?
No. Ultracet is a combination of Acetaminophen and Tramadol, manufactured artificially to cause pain relief. Steroids are an adjuvant to opioids medication to reduce pain and also help improve other beneficial symptoms like asthma, inflammation, arthritis. etc. Whereas, Ultracet is a non-steroidal, narcotic-based analgesic that is used primarily for pain management.
5. Is Ultracet An Anti Inflammatory?
No. Tramadol in it is not a steroid nor a NSAID (NonSteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug). Hence, it doesn't help reduce inflammation, swelling of the body, or muscle relaxation. Contrastingly, steroids typically decrease inflammation of the body by weakening the body's immune responses and are generally taken in combination with analgesics for post-operative healing.
6. Is Ultracet Harmful?
Yes. Ultracet contains an opioids class of drug which is highly addictive and can cause death if misused or overdosed. Even those taking in moderation and under prescription run the risk of getting addicted and show withdrawal symptoms on cessation of Ultracet. It should be taken under strict medical guidance and kept away from children and adults equally.
7. Is Ultracet Good For Pain?
Yes. Ultracet containing Acetaminophen and Tramadol is a fast-acting pain killer and starts acting within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. The effects retain for 6 hours. There are also delayed-acting Ultracet tablets that take 24 to 48 hours but retain for a prolonged period.
8. Does Ultracet Affect The Kidneys?
Yes. Tramadol has not been proved to be directly nephrotoxic, but it is not advisable for kidney patients to intake Ultracet, which contains Tramadol. This is because the drug is excreted through the kidneys. Patients with kidney problems will not be able to eliminate the drug causing fatal concentrations in blood. Ultracet can also increase the blood urea and creatinine concentration, causing kidney disorders.
9. Why Is Ultracet Banned?
Ultracet is banned after the revelation of its frequent use in sportspersons, especially in competitive cycling by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that causes many side effects and gradual addiction among users. The ban has been imposed considering sportspersons' health and safety, and tests are conducted before, after, and in between competitions to prevent possible misuse.
10. Is Ultracet Still Available?
No. the genetic variation of Ultracet tablets containing Tramadol and Acetaminophen has been permanently discontinued due to adjoining side effects and the possible abuse. Tramadol is categorized as a Schedule IV controlled substance and is available under strict prescription. Moreover, the prescription can be used 5 times or 6 months only, from the date of its recommendation, after which a new prescription is required.
In case of any side effects or overdose after taking Ultracet, please consult our expert or get a medical opinion at Yashoda Hospitals-healthcare for immediate treatment.
