Tapentadol

ATC code
N02AX06
Therapeutic class
Opioid analgesic (μ-opioid receptor agonist and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) · Other opioids
Forms
oral extended-release tablet
Brand names
Nucynta ER (US) · Palexia Retard (ES) · Palexia LP (FR)
Overall confidence
high

Regulatory sources consulted

Approved indications

Contraindications

Absolute

  • Significant respiratory depression.
  • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment.
  • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.
  • Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within the last 14 days.
  • Hypersensitivity to tapentadol or any of the excipients.

Clinical warnings

Drug interactions

Adverse events

Common (≥1%)

nausea · constipation · dizziness · headache · somnolence

Rare but serious

respiratory depression · serotonin syndrome · seizures · adrenal insufficiency · severe hypotension · paralytic ileus · angioedema

Pregnancy and lactation

Prolonged use during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm. Not recommended for use during lactation.

Recent literature (PubMed)