Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Tapentadol requires a valid prescription.
Tapentadol
Generic Name: TAPENTADOL HYDROCHLORIDE
Tapentadol extended-release tablet is an opioid agonist, supplied in extended-release film-coated tablets for oral administration, containing 58.24, 116.48, 174.72, 232.96, and 291.20 mg of tapentadol hydrochloride in each tablet strength, corresponding to 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg of tapentadol free-base, respectively.
Data last updated: 30 March 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)
Common Brand Names in India:
How Does It Work?
The exact mechanism of action is unknown.
Dosage & Administration
- Reserve titration to higher doses of tapentadol extended-release tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks .
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)
Warnings & Precautions
- Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia: Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain.
- Avoid use of tapentadol extended-release tablets in patients with circulatory shock. Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness : Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression.
- Avoid use of tapentadol extended-release tablets in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Tapentadol extended-release tablets contain tapentadol, a Schedule II controlled substance.
- As an opioid, tapentadol extended-release tablets expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse.
- Because extended-release products such as tapentadol extended-release tablets deliver the opioid over an extended period of time, there is a greater risk for overdose and death due to the larger amount of tapentadol present [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9) ] .
Drug Interactions
Tapentadol may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Storage Instructions
Storage and Handling Store at 20°C – 25°C (68°F – 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° C – 30°C (59° F – 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Speak to a general physician on Zospital
Consult a general physician on Zospital before starting Tapentadol. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.
Other Analgesics & Pain Relief Medicines
Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.
FAQS
Tapentadol – Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tapentadol, its uses, dosage and safety.
Tapentadol is sold in India under brand names such as Nucynta. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.
Tapentadol is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.
Common side effects of Tapentadol can include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Headache, Dizziness, Fatigue, Dry mouth. Less common but serious side effects can include: Severe, Serious, Life-threatening, Anaphylaxis, Suicidal. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.
The exact mechanism of action is unknown.
Tapentadol can interact with: Alcohol, Clinical, Intervention, Central, Administration, Monoamine. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Tapentadol.
Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Tapentadol for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.
Pregnancy safety of Tapentadol depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Tapentadol during pregnancy or while planning conception.
Prices in India typically range from ₹10 – ₹120 per strip of 10 tablets depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.
If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Tapentadol's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.
You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.