Used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain for both acute (following injury, surgery, etc.) and chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is also specifically indicated for controlling the pain of diabetic neuropathy when around-the-clock opioid medication is required
Tapentadol is a centrally-acting synthetic analgesic. Although their clinical relevance is unclear, tapentadol is believed to have two main mechanisms of action. Tapentadol is a selective mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist: it binds to MOR with an affinity greater than or equal to ten-fold affinity compared to delta- and kappa-opioid receptors. Tapentadol also inhibits noradrenaline reuptake, thereby increasing noradrenaline levels and activating alpha-2 receptors to promote analgesia. Tapentadol is a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor; however, this action does not contribute to its analgesic effect.
Moderate to severe acute pain which can be managed only with opioid analgesics BY MOUTH USING IMMEDIATE-RELEASE MEDICINES Adult: Initially 50 mg every 4-6 hours, adjusted according to response, maximum 700mg in the first 24 hours, during the first 24 hours of treatment, an additional dose of 50 mg may be taken 1 hour after the initial dose, if pain control not achieved; maximum 600 mg per day Severe chronic pain BY MOUTH USING MODIFIED-RELEASE MEDICINES Adult: Initially 50 mg every 12 hours, adjusted according to response; maximum 500 mg per day
Increased risk of serotonin syndrome with other drugs that enhance monoaminergic neurotransmission (e.g. TCAs, triptans, SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). Enhanced sedative effect with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antipsychotics, H1-antihistamines and other opioids. Increased potential for addiction with mixed μ-opioid agonists/antagonists (e.g. nalbuphine, pentazocine) or partial μ-opioid agonists (e.g. buprenorphine). Increased systemic exposure with strong inhibitors of UGT1A6, UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 isoenzymes. Decreased efficacy with strong enzyme inducers (e.g. rifampicin, phenobarbital).
Before taking tapentadol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), gallbladder disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus), disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate).
Abdominal discomfort . anxiety . ataxia . decreased appetite . diarrhoea . dysarthria . dyspepsia . hypoaesthesia . malaise . muscle spasms . paraesthesia . seizures . tremor . weight loss
PREGNANCY Benefit should outweigh risk. BREAST FEEDING Avoid?no information available.
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.