TAPENTADOL: A MOLECULE WITH PROPOSED DUAL MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Video animation depicting the unique mechanism of action of tapentadol
  • The exact mechanism of action is unknown1
  • Although the clinical relevance is unclear, preclinical studies have shown that tapentadol is a mu‑opioid receptor agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor1
  • Analgesia in animal models is derived from both of these properties1
References:
  1. NUCYNTA ER [package insert]. Stoughton, MA: Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.; December 2023.
  2. Gourlay GK. Advances in opioid pharmacology. Support Care Cancer. 2005;13(3):153-159.
  3. Benarroch EE. Descending monoaminergic pain modulation. Neurology. 2008;71(3):217-221.