Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Tramadol
Other Names: Ultram ER
Drug Class: Central Analgesics
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Ultram ER? (Back to top)
TRAMADOL is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• brain tumor
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
• drug abuse or addiction
• head injury
• kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
• liver disease
• lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
• seizures or epilepsy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to tramadol, codeine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take the tablets by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Crushing this medicine may cause overdose and death. This risk is increased in patients who abuse alcohol or other substances. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• alcohol or medicines that contain alcohol
• antidepressants
• antihistamines
• benzodiazepines
• bupropion
• carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine
• clozapine
• cyclobenzaprine
• digoxin
• furazolidone
• linezolid
• medicines for pain like pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, meperidine, nalbuphine, and propoxyphene
• medicines for anxiety or sleep
• muscle relaxants
• naltrexone
• phenobarbital
• phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, and trifluoperazine
• procarbazine
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• confusion
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• itching
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures

• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase or decrease the effects of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

You may have constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:February 27, 2008

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