Patient was educated on contraindications for using Ultram as follows:
- Ultram is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with compromised renal functions tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Ultram should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- Ultram affects the respiratory center in the brain and induces slowing down of respirations. The breathing pattern can become irregular with reduced gas exchange and lead to elevated carbon dioxide and reduced oxygen levels in the body. Overdose of Ultram can also cause respiratory arrest. Ultram should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of respiratory abnormalities, such as, asthma and COPD.
- Avoid using Ultram along with other medications that have a potential to cause respiratory depression, such as, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and antianxiety medications.
- Ultram should be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of head injury, coma, and brain surgery. These individuals are at increased risk for depression of the respiratory center and coma with Ultram.
- Ultram should be avoided in individuals with history of drug and alcohol addiction. Alcohol with Ultram can lead to severe depression of the respiratory center in the brain, respiratory arrest, and coma. Ultram with alcohol can cause severe damage to the liver.
