Aspadol: Uses And Dosage Information

 

Are you wondering about the correct uses of Aspadol and its medical benefits? If so, we have you covered. 

Aspadol, the brand drug of Tapentadol, is a centrally-acting opioid analgesic drug. It is prescribed for treating a wide range of acute and chronic body pain. 

Understanding the correct uses and dosage of Aspadol is essential for safe and effective treatment. 

In this blog, we will discuss the uses of Aspadol in detail and how and when to take Aspadol tablets. 

 

Aspadol Tablets: An Overview 

Aspadol, manufactured by Signature Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., is suggested to be the first-in-class drug that exhibits a dual mechanism of action. It is a pharmaceutical medication primarily used for the management of moderate to severe pain in both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. 

The active compound of Aspadol is Tapentadol, a  Schedule II controlled substance. It was developed in the early 2000s and was approved by the FDA in 2008.  

Aspadol provides relief by binding to mu-opioid receptors and inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine. This dual-working mechanism helps in relieving pain and also enhances the effectiveness of pain management compared to traditional opioids. 

 

Medical Use Of Aspadol Tablets 

Aspadol is an effective therapeutic option for treating the following conditions.

Dental Surgery Or Other Post-Surgery Pain-

Numerous clinical studies have shown that Tapentadol is effective for postsurgical dental pain. Depending on the severity of the pain, it can be taken in 100 mg doses two to three times a day. 

A 2014 study by Y. K. Lee et al. suggested using Aspadol to reduce acute pain intensity following orthopedic surgery in Korean patients. 

Another trial by Prasanna Vadhanan et al. indicates that using Tapentadol (Aspadol) 100 mg 30 minutes before surgery reduces postoperative pain intensity and postoperative analgesic requirements. The image below provides a graphical representation of this clinical trial. 

 

 

Aspadol was also proven to be a better analgesic for pain relief after cardiac surgery due to its norepinephrine reuptake inhibition properties. 

Along with cardiac surgery, its use is also suggested for the relief of acute pain following-

• orthopedic surgery (Jens-Ulrich Stegmann et al., 2008 study)

• postsurgical dental pain (Kleinert et al., 2008 study)

• after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Ghanshyam Yadav et al., 2016 study)

• total hip arthroplasty (Tiziana D’Amato et al., 2019 study) 

According to a 2019 study by Thierry C. Bagaphou et al., Aspadol is an effective treatment for managing chronic lower back pain.

Back Pain-

The use of Tapentadol for back pain works by acting on the nociceptive and neuropathic components of pain. 

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)-

It is a chronic pain condition that affects the limbs following surgery, injury, or heart attack. Tapentadol treats regional pain syndrome within 30 minutes; however, it is a second line of treatment.  

Veterinary Use-

The use of Aspadol (Tapentadol) tablets in pets is scientifically proven to help manage body pain. It is considered highly effective and safe in veterinary animals. 

Fibromyalgia- 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes tenderness and pain in the whole body, along with disturbed sleep and fatigue. It is a chronic musculoskeletal pain estimated to affect 2 to 4% of the population, according to a 2019 study by Tine van de Donk et al. 

Tapentadol can treat fibromyalgia as it requires round-the-clock analgesia. It works within 30 minutes, and its effect lasts for up to 12 hours. 

Aspadol For Neuropathic Pain-

Neuropathic pain can be managed with Tapentadol through its norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (NRI) activity that acts on the brain's hippocampal region. 

The US FDA has approved using this analgesic orally for the management of neuropathic pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in adults. 

Cancer Pain Management-

According to a 2019 study by Hans G. Kress et al., Tapentadol, the active compound of Aspadol, was well tolerated in all clinical studies with cancer pain patients. A 2015 Cochrane review suggests that Tapentadol was as effective as oxycodone in relieving pain in cancer patients. 

Preliminary evidence also suggests that the analgesic may be a suitable therapeutic option for managing pain associated with oncological treatments such as chemotherapy. 

Aspadol Uses For Osteoarthritis-

According to a study by Joseph V. Pergolizzi Jr. et al., Tapentadol effectively treats severe chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis. It is considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment option. Further, the study indicates that the lower risk of side effects of Aspadol makes it a promising treatment option in long-term analgesic therapy. 

Another study by James E. Wild et al. indicated Tapentadol offered lasting relief from moderate to severe chronic knee or hip osteoarthritis for up to 1 year with better gastrointestinal tolerance. 

 

Off-Label Uses Of Aspadol

Apart from its prescription uses, Aspadol is known to have beneficial effects in a few other off-label uses, as listed below. 

Aspadol (Tapentadol) For Weight Loss- 

Aspadol causes weight loss and may cause some users to lose their appetite. Overdosing on the analgesics can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems, including changes in appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and malnutrition [2]. 

Aspadol For Depression-

Depression is a major issue that is observed in people suffering from body pain. On the other hand, body pain is also seen in people suffering from depression. Thus, the use of Tapentadol for depression can help to improve body pain associated with it and enhance mood. Aspadol works to improve mood through the elevation of the secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and epinephrine. 

Aspadol For Good Sleep-

Aspadol (Tapentadol) helps provide better sleep quality. According to a 2021 study by Renato Vellucci et al., Aspadol, along with pain reduction, fosters better sleep quality and improvement in life [4]. 

The study also established its significant ability to reduce pain intensity and reported that the percentage of patients with disturbed sleep lowered. The graph below represents the sleep quality of patients receiving Tapentadol. 

 

 

Benefits Of Aspadol

Four noteworthy clinical benefits of Aspadol for effective pain management are listed below. 

Quicker Onset Of Action- 

The action of Aspadol 100 mg tablets starts within 30 minutes after administration. 

Dual Mechanisms Of Action- 

Aspadol is the first analgesic with a dual mechanism of action approved by the FDA that contributes to its ability to treat both acute and chronic pain. 

Formulations- 

Aspadol is available in two formulations: immediate-release tablets (IR) and extended-release tablets (ER). These formulations help tailor the treatment for the required duration of pain relief.

Better Efficacy And Tolerability-  

Aspadol is two to three times more potent than other analgesics, such as Tramadol, according to a study by Lucien Roulet and others. Its tolerability was also established by a 2021 study by Renato Vellucci et al., as shown in the graph below. 

 

 

 

Aspadol Dosage

• Aspadol 100 mg is the most commonly prescribed dosage for treating body pain. 

• The initial dose of Aspadol 100 mg should be taken every 4 to 6 hours. 

• The maximum dose for day 1 is 700mg, and 600 mg for the subsequent days.

 

How To Use Aspadol

• Aspadol is available as an oral tablet that should be swallowed with water. 

• Do not chew or crush the pill. 

• It is advisable to take the Aspadol pills with or without food. 

• Do not take Aspadol with alcohol or other medication or supplements. 

 

Precautionary Measures 

• Avoid taking this opioid pain medicine if you have severe breathing problems or obstruction in bowel movement. 

• Inform your doctor if you have any medical histories or are undergoing treatment.

• Always inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of the compounds in the medication's formulation. 

• Do not take the medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may cross the blood barrier and affect the health and growth of the infant. 

• Avoid activities that require an immediate response, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.  

 

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Aspadol?

Some of the common side effects of taking Aspadol include-

• Coughs

• Cloudy urine

• Fever

• Bladder pain

In addition, a few side effects that may require immediate medical attention include-

• Itching

• Rash

• Seizures

• Vomiting

 

Aspadol Uses: Conclusion

Aspadol is the brand name for the compound Tapentadol Hydrochloride, used as a pain reliever. Its dual mechanism of action makes it an effective treatment option for managing moderate to severe acute and chronic pain, including toothache, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. It works by blocking the chemical messengers that produce the pain sensations in your brain. 

Take Aspadol only after consulting a healthcare provider and report any changes or concerns promptly.