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Ultram Ingredients

Ultram is an analgesic used for treating moderate to severe chronic pain in adults. Its generic name is Tramadol, taken from the chemical name tramadol hydrochloride. It is a tablet taken orally, and an extended-release formula is also available. The inactive ingredients in Ultram and generic equivalents typically include corn starch, lactose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

  1. Tramadol Hydrochloride

    • Ultram contains 50 mg of tramadol hydrochloride, the active ingredient in the drug. It is a pain reliever that performs much like a narcotic drug. Extended-release Ultram is effective for patients who require 24-hour pain management. According to RxList, if you have recently taken narcotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, street drugs, drugs for treating mental illness or alcohol you should not take Ultram. In addition, if you have previously been addicted to alcohol or drugs, you should not take it. Like narcotics, Ultram can become habit-forming and can impair your judgment. Sudden discontinuation of Ultram can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, hallucinations and breathing difficulties.

    Manufacturing

    • According to eMedTV, most of the inactive ingredients in Ultram are used as fillers. Because the 50 mg of tramadol hydrochloride is such a small amount, this is necessary to make the pill large enough for the patient to hold and swallow. In addition, some ingredients are used to coat the tablet for easier swallowing.

    Fillers

    • The starch ingredients in Ultram are used in the manufacturing process. Grain Processing Corporation indicates that various starches are used for thickening and binding applications as well as water absorption. Individuals with allergies could have an adverse reaction to tablets containing starches. One example is patients with celiac disease, an allergy to gluten that results in intestinal inflammation. According to Steven Plogsted, clinical pharmacist, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is not as strict about inactive ingredients, called excipients. They dictate which ingredients may be used but do not stipulate the quantity and type. Lactose, milk sugar and microcrystalline cellulose from fibrous plants are also used as filler.

    Other Ingredients

    • Titanium dioxide is a mineral used for white pigmentation of the drug. Hypromellose and magnesium stearate are lubricants, used in the coating of the tablets for ease in swallowing. Polyethylene glycol, derived from fats and commonly used as a laxative, as well as polysorbate 80, a sugar, both help with water absorption.

    Warnings

    • Common side effects of Ultram and its generic equivalents include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, flushing, insomnia and blurred vision. Seek medical assistance if you experience serious side effects such as agitation, fever, rapid heart rate, loss of coordination, seizures, overactive reflexes, fainting, shallow breathing, blistering red skin rash or weak pulse. Allergic reactions can include hives, breathing difficulties and swelling of your face, tongue, throat or lips. If any of these occur, seek emergency medical care.

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