TAPENTADOL: A MOLECULE WITH PROPOSED DUAL MECHANISMS OF ACTION

  • The exact mechanism of action is unknown3
  • Although the clinical relevance is unclear, preclinical studies have shown that tapentadol is a mu‑opioid receptor agonist and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor3
  • Analgesia in animal models is derived from both of these properties3
References:
  1. Gourlay GK. Advances in opioid pharmacology. Support Care Cancer. 2005;13(3):153-159.
  2. Benarroch EE. Descending monoaminergic pain modulation. Neurology. 2008;71(3):217-221.
  3. NUCYNTA ER [package insert]. Stoughton, MA: Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.; 2021.