Tapentadol ( Aspadol)

What is this medicine for

This medication is an analgesic, prescribed for moderate to severe acute pain. It works by changing the way the body responds to pain.

How does it work

Tapentadol lowers the feeling of pain and how one reacts to pain.

How should this medicine be used

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food. The recommended dose is 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours depending upon pain intensity.

Common side effects of this medicine

Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred eyesight, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this drug affects you. Headache. Itching. Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals, good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative.

What do I do if I miss a dose

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What precautions should I take when taking this medicine

If you have an allergy to tapentadol or any other part of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs you had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs. If you have any of these health problems: Very bad lung disease or a slow-moving GI (gastrointestinal) tract. If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this drug is started. Taking both at the same time could cause risky high blood pressure.

When do I need to seek medical help

If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away. Signs of a very bad reaction to the drug. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue or gray skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Very bad dizziness or passing out. Trouble breathing. Change in thinking clearly and with logic. Big change in balance. Agitation, twitching, sweating, or muscle stiffness. Poor pain control. Seizures. Very upset stomach or throwing up. Very hard stools (constipation). Feeling very tired or weak. Any rash. Side effect or health problem is not better or you are feeling worse.

Can I take it with other medicines

Sometimes drugs are not safe when you take them with certain other drugs and food. – Taking them together can cause bad side effects. – Be sure to talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take.

Are there any food restrictions

Avoid Alcohol

How do I store this medicine

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. – Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Pregnancy Category

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Therapeutic Classification

Opioid Analgesics