Analgesic

Tapentadol

search

Tapentadol, Nucynta

  • Mechanism
  1. Mu-Opioid receptor Agonist
  2. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
  • Indications
  1. Moderate to severe acute pain
  • Contraindications
  1. Severe renal Impairment
  2. Severe hepatic Impairment
  • Efficacy
  1. As effective as Oxycodone
  2. Less Nausea, Vomiting and Constipation than Oxycodone
  • Drug Interactions
  1. Serotonin Syndrome risk
  • Adverse Reactions
  1. Seizures
  2. Anaphylactoid Reaction
  3. Respiratory Depression
  • Preparations
  1. Schedule II Controlled Substance
  2. Immediate release
    1. Tapentadol 50-100 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed (up to 600 mg/day)
    2. Decrease dose to 50 mg every 8 hours if moderate hepatic Impairment
  3. Extended release
    1. Tapentadol XR 50 mg orally twice daily (and titrate up to 250 mg twice daily)
    2. May start higher if transitioning from other Opioids
  • References
  1. Tarascon pharmacopeia (2013)
  2. Hartrick (2011) CNS Drugs 25(5): 359-70 [PubMed]