Comparison of Efficacy and Effectiveness between ULTRACETTM and Tramadol/Acetaminophen in Acute Postoperative Pain after Upper Extremity Surgery
Passakorn Sawaddiruk MD*, Sahattaya Paiboonworachat MD*, Kittichai Janthawichai MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Objective : To compare the efficacy and effectiveness between ULTRACETTM, a new analgesic combination of tramadol/
acetaminophen, and tramadol/acetaminophen for acute postoperative pain after upper extremity surgery.
Study design: A double blind randomized controlled trial.
Material and Method: One hundred and eighty patients who underwent upper extremity surgery under brachial plexus block
were randomized to receive either ULTRACETTM (n = 87) or tramadol and acetaminophen (n = 93) immediately after surgery
in the postanesthetic care unit (PACU). Total morphine requirement, pain score (VRS) and drug adverse effects were
compared between those two groups using independent single t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Chi-square test and Fisher-exact
test respectively.
Results : Total morphine requirement was significantly lower in subjects who used ULTRACETTM when compared with the
tramadol and acetaminophen group (0.51 and 0.69 mg in the first 6 hours after the operation, 0.0 and 0.13 mg in hours 6-
12 after the operation). Moreover, there were fewer side effects in this ULTRACETTM group too.
Conclusion : ULTRACETTM has more efficacy and fewer side effects when compared with tramadol and acetaminophen in
acute postoperative pain surgery.
Keywords : ULTRACETTM, Tramadol, Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Postoperative pain, Upper extremity surgery
