Tapentadol

Trade Name: Nucynta

Uses

  • Acute pain
  • Neuropathic pain (diabetic peripheral neuropathy)

Adverse Effects

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider risk of dizziness and drowsiness and potential impact on falls risk.Consider risk of dizziness and drowsiness and potential impact on falls risk.

Route of Administration

  1. Oral (Extended Release)
  2. Oral (Immediate Release)

Mechanism of Action

Binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathways
  • Alteration to perception of pain
  • Alteration to response to pain

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

3 hours to 6 hours

Duration of Action

12 hours

Time to Onset

3 hours to 6 hours

Last updated: April 1, 2026