Tapendadol Australia

What is Tapentadol?

Tapentadol is a fast-acting opioid analgesic used to relieve pain incurred post-surgically or after injuries. It is an opioid analgesic medication that works on the opioid receptors of the CNS to reduce pain. Conditions of musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain are best addressed using this analgesic drug. What makes Tapentadol a unique analgesic is its dual mechanism of action with a safer profile.

How does it work?

Tapentadol is a centrally acting opioid analgesic of the benzenoid class; unlike other opioids, it is an agonist of the mu-opioid receptors, increasing its tolerability and overall safety. In addition, it acts as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that works on the pain and anxiety of patients in chronic pain cases. The use of Tapentadol 100mg not only causes quicker relief from pain conditions but also offers more safety and effectiveness than other medications of the same category.

What are the strengths and doses?

Tapentadol is available in strengths of 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg oral tablets, with the maximum dose not extending beyond 500-600mg daily. In immediate-release formulations, the initial dose is 50 to 100 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours and the maintenance dose is dependent on your condition and tolerance to the drug. In extended-release formulations, the initial dose is 50mg orally twice daily, with the maintenance dose varying between 100-250mg.

How long does Tapentadol take to set in?

This pain-relief drug has an onset period of 32 minutes and takes approximately 1.25 hours to obtain peak plasma concentrations in immediate-release formulations. The effects of the medication last for 4-6 hours till the completion of their half-lives, after which they are eliminated from the body in the form of metabolic wastes. Factors like dietary intake, systemic conditions, and the patient’s age further affect the medication’s onset period and plasma peaking.

Tapentadol vs. Tramadol-which is a better analgesic?

Tapentadol and Tramadol are potent analgesics used in treating moderate to severe pain. But Tapentadol, due to its norepinephrine reuptake inhibition properties and mu agonist tendencies, is a better analgesic than Tramadol. Tapentadol is approximately two to three times more potent than Tramadol and associated with a low risk of postoperative nausea or vomiting tendencies.

How to buy Tapentadol tablets in Australia?

Tapentadol is a Schedule 8 Drug in Australia; Schedule 8 status is the status given to drugs with associated addiction risks. Only a prescriber, or a pharmacist dispensing a prescription, can supply a Schedule 8 medicine to a patient. You can obtain Tapentadol using a drug in Australia from registered pharmacies dealing with the dispensing of analgesic medications or procure it from physician’s clinics dispensing the medication.

Can you buy Tapentadol online in Australia?

You can easily obtain the drug online in Australia. You will get the drug to your doorstep quickly without having to search for pharmacies dealing with dispensing the medication or wait in lines in physician’s clinics.

What are the things to remember before buying Tapentadol online?

• Ensure the authenticity of the site dispensing the medication
• Make sure you read online reviews of the site you selected to know about its customer service and the suitability of the medicine for your pain condition.
• Ensure that the online portal you have selected has a registered online consultant available to provide you with an online prescription if required and answer your queries
• Ensure you opt for a site with good customer service and a valid customer care number/email id to answer order or delivery-related queries.

What are the essential things to remember after the online delivery of Tapentadol?

• Ensure that you have obtained the correct strength of the medication as ordered
• Make sure that the delivered drug is well within its expiry period.
• Make sure the package in which the drug has been delivered is in good condition and has not been tampered with
• Check the condition of the tablets inside and discard them if they look discolored, moisture-laden, or desiccated.
• Ensure that you store the drug in a cool and dark place away from direct moisture and sunlight
• Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

How long can you use Tapentadol?

When used long-term, it can lead to increased tolerance with the added risk of dependence, despite its effectiveness in providing analgesic effects. The use of Tapentadol in chronic pain conditions should be done, keeping in mind the treatment plan and advice of the physician. Care should be taken to stay within the dose of more than 500 mg daily. After its effects have been obtained, the dose should be tapered down instead of being abruptly discontinued for patient safety.

When is the use of Tapentadol contraindicated?

• Allergic reactions to the ingredients of the drug or the medication in itself
• In pregnant and breastfeeding ladies as it can affect the brain development of the fetus as well as the baby
• In patients with significant respiratory depression as it can further complicate the breathing mechanism
• In patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma
• In patients with paralytic ileus or blocked intestine as a result of drugs, inflammation, or surgery

What are the side effects associated with the use of Tapentadol?

Mild side effects– nausea, headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset

Moderate side effects– irritability, flushing of face and neck, excessive tiredness, heartburn, difficulty falling or staying asleep, hives, difficulty keeping an erection

Severe side-effects– abnormal dreams, seizures, uncontrolled menstruation, swelling of eyes, lips, face, and throat, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness

What are the drug interactions associated with Tapentadol?

With opioid antagonist

With opioid antagonists like butorphanol, nalbuphine, and pentazocine, it can lead to Central Nervous System Depression and increase the side-effect risk.

With MAO inhibitors

Tapentadol use with MAO inhibitors can cause symptoms of serotonin toxicity.

With narcotics

Narcotics like Codeine, when used with Tapentadol, can cause symptoms of reduced heart rate, confusion, and signs of cognitive impairment.

With alcohol

Tapentadol with alcohol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness and can even prove life-threatening to the patient.