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Ultracet Vs Vicodin: Similarities, Differences & Side Effects

Ultracet vs Vicodin

Today all over the world, several types of physical pain are experienced by people. The use of painkillers is increasing day by day in modern society. Pain-relief medications are used to manage short-term and long-term physical pain. Here, short-term pain is acute, and long-term pain is chronic pain. There are a variety of pharmaceutical drugs that are used to treat moderate or severe pain, which can be caused by any condition such as pre or post-surgery pain or pain after an accident etc. The two common medicines used to treat this type of pain are Ultracet and Vicodin. In this article, we will be comparing Ultracet vs Vicodin drugs their similarities, and their side effects.

What are Ultracet and Vicodin

Ultracet

Ultracet is a branded medication for generic drugs that contains Tramadol and Acetaminophen. This medication belongs to a class of drugs, narcotic analgesic combinations, or narcotics. Ultracet is a narcotic pain reliever, which means this drug is used to treat severe pain and can’t be used in place of other painkillers. Ultracet is used for treating muscle aches, back pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, and toothaches. The FDA approved it on 15 August 2001.

Ultracet contains a combination of tramadol and acetaminophen. Tramadol is a pain reliever medicine similar to opioid (Narcotic medication), that may cause drug dependency. Acetaminophen is another pain reliever that increases the effect of tramadol drug.

Vicodin

Vicodin is discontinued in the USA and was used for treating mild, moderate, or severe pain in patients. This drug acts by controlling the Central Nervous System (CNS). In December 2021, The Food and Drug Administration withdrew this brand name. However, a generic version is still available.

The two primary substances utilized in the development of Vicodin are Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone. However, both have their conflicting properties. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain relieving component that helps in reducing pain. On the other hand, Acetaminophen is a less potent analgesic, it increases the effects of hydrocodone.

Vicodin was available in the form of an oral tablet. It was recommended that patients take these tablets as directed by healthcare professionals. Doctors advised their patients to take one or two tablets. A dosage of one or two tablets was administered by healthcare experts to adults. Generally, a daily dose of more than eight tablets was not recommended by doctors or physicians.

Now, we will have a look at the uses of Ultracet and Vicodin. These uses can be similar or differ in some conditions.

Similarities between Ultracet and Vicodin

Ultracet

Ultracet drug is used to relieve pain in individuals who are suffering from moderate to severe pain caused by pre or post-surgery, accidents, or operations.
This drug can be used for treating Headaches, Mild Migraine, Muscle pain, and other related conditions.
It contains compounds of tramadol, which is considered a step-2 (stage-2) analgesic as stated in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for the treatment of patients with cancer pain.
The Acetaminophen component found in this drug can help bring down fever.
Acetaminophen might be effective in relieving cough.
Ultracet is used for short-term (less than or equal to 5 days) severe acute pain.

Vicodin

Vicodin is useful for treating people who experienced moderate or severe pain caused by an accident or surgery. This medication was also effective in getting relief from back pain as well. It was also helpful in relieving pain in patients who suffered pain caused by surgery as well as operations, etc.
Acetaminophen is the secondary active component of Vicodin that has the potential to reduce fever. So, patients can get relief from fever as well. This medicine also works as a cough suppressant.

Ultracet vs Vicodin: What’s the differences

Availability

Ultracet drug contains tramadol hydrochloride and acetaminophen which are generic variants of this medicine. However, Ultracet including its genetic variants is currently discontinued.
Vicodin brand name is also discontinued, but there may be generic equivalents available for this drug. It comes in the form of tablets and pills.

Dosages

Vicodin

Vicodin consists of various dosage strengths. However, it is important to note that this medication is a combination drug of two chemical components which are Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen. So, the varied dosage strength follows both the ingredients along the forms. Let’s take a look at them.

Hydrocodone / Acetaminophen:

Tablet:

2.5 mg / 325 mg

5 mg / 300 mg, 5 mg /325 mg

7.5 mg / 300 mg and 7.5 mg / 325 mg

10 mg / 300 mg and 10 mg / 325 mg.

Oral Solution:

7.5 mg / 325 mg / 15 mL
10 mg / 300 mg / 15 mL, 10 mg / 325 mg / 15mL.

The recommended optimal dosage for adults suffering from pain is one or two tablets every four to six hours as required. Keep in mind, the total daily dosage should not exceed 8 tablets.

Ultracet

Like Vicodin, Ultracet is also a combination medicine of two salt compositions that are Tramadol and Acetaminophen. Mentioned below is the varied dosage strength including the dosage form of this medication.

Tramadol / Acetaminophen:

Tablet:

37.5 mg / 325 mg

The initial dosage of Ultracet is 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as required for pain relief that ranges to a maximum of 8 tablets in a day.

Side effects

Ultracet

Ultracet may cause serious side effects. Here is a list of a few common side effects such as:

  • Noisy breathing as well as Shallow breathing
  • Sleep apnoea (in this condition breathing stops during sleep)
  • Slow heart rate
  • Weak pulse
  • Chest pain
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Fever
  • Shivering
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Twitching

Vicodin: Side effects of Vicodin such as:

  • Light-headedness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Mood swings
  • Indigestion
  • Dry mouth
  • Trouble while urinating
  • Ringing ears

Precautions

These medicines may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions in the person’s body. If you have a medical history such as a brain disorder or breathing problems etc., consuming alcohol or marijuana with these drugs can be unsafe. So, always consult with your doctor before taking Vicodin or Ultracet.

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