150mg aspadol is a powerful prescription medication used to manage moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. It contains Tapentadol, a centrally acting opioid analgesic that delivers dual-action pain relief by targeting both the brain and spinal cord. With a unique mechanism that combines mu-opioid receptor agonism and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, Aspadol offers effective relief for patients who do not respond adequately to non-opioid painkillers.
This article provides comprehensive information on aspadol 150mg, including its uses, dosage guidelines, mechanism of action, side effects, contraindications, and safety warnings.
What is Aspadol?
Aspadol tablet is the brand name for a pain relief medication that contains the active ingredient Tapentadol. It is available in 100mg and 150mg strengths and is prescribed primarily for:
Acute musculoskeletal pain
Post-operative pain
Neuropathic pain
Pain related to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (especially with extended-release formulations)
Aspadol tablet is part of a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It is structurally related to the opioid family but offers better gastrointestinal tolerability and lower incidence of respiratory depression than some older opioids like morphine or oxycodone.
Mechanism of Action
Tapentadol, the active component of Aspadol, operates through a dual mechanism:
Mu-Opioid Receptor Agonism: Tapentadol binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the perception of pain.
Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibition (NRI): It increases norepinephrine levels by inhibiting its reabsorption in the central nervous system, enhancing the descending inhibitory pain pathway.
This combination results in both immediate pain relief and a sustained modulation of chronic pain, making it effective for both nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
Uses of Aspadol 100mg Tablet
150mg aspadol is typically prescribed for short- to medium-term pain management. Some common uses include:
1. Acute Musculoskeletal Pain
Doctors prescribe Aspadol for acute pain caused by injuries, fractures, sprains, and muscle strains.
2. Post-Surgical Pain
After major surgeries like orthopedic procedures, abdominal surgery, or dental extraction, patients may receive Aspadol to manage acute pain during recovery.
3. Neuropathic Pain
Tapentadol is effective against nerve-related pain, especially in conditions like diabetic neuropathy.
4. Osteoarthritis Pain
In patients who do not respond well to NSAIDs or have gastrointestinal side effects, Aspadol may be used under close supervision.
Dosage and Administration
Initial Dosage:
The typical starting dose of Aspadol tablet is one tablet every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the pain and the patient’s opioid tolerance.
The dosage may be increased gradually under medical supervision.
For Adults:
100mg twice daily is the usual therapeutic dose.
For opioid-naïve patients, the doctor may begin with Aspadol 50mg to assess tolerance.
Maximum dosage should not exceed 600mg per day.
For Elderly Patients:
Older adults may be more sensitive to opioid effects. Physicians usually start with lower doses and monitor for side effects like dizziness or sedation.
For Renal or Hepatic Impairment:
Tapentadol is not recommended for patients with severe liver or kidney dysfunction due to altered metabolism and excretion.
Administration Guidelines:
Take Aspadol tablets orally with water.
Do not crush or chew the tablet.
Take it with or without food, depending on gastrointestinal tolerance.
Forms and Strengths
Aspadol is available in:
Aspadol 50mg Tablet
Aspadol 100mg Tablet
Aspadol 150mg Tablet (higher strength for chronic or severe pain)
There is also Aspadol ER (Extended-Release) available for chronic conditions that require round-the-clock pain control.
Warnings and Precautions
1. Risk of Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Tapentadol has opioid properties, making Aspadol tablet Schedule II controlled substance in many countries. Patients must use it exactly as prescribed to avoid dependence and abuse.
2. Respiratory Depression
High doses or combining Aspadol with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
3. Head Injuries and Increased Intracranial Pressure
150mg Aspadol can increase CO₂ retention, leading to elevated intracranial pressure, which is dangerous in head injury patients.
4. Seizure Risk
Tapentadol may lower the seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy or those on medications that lower the seizure threshold.
5. Serotonin Syndrome
Combining Aspadol with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or tricyclic antidepressants can result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
6. Avoid Driving and Operating Machinery
150mg Aspadol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, impairing the ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Side Effects of Aspadol 100mg
Most side effects are dose-dependent and more common at higher dosages or with long-term use.
Common Side Effects:
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headache
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Less Common but Serious Side Effects:
Respiratory depression
Confusion or hallucinations
Low blood pressure
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Seizures
Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
If you experience symptoms like severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical attention.
Drug Interactions
Caution is needed when combining Aspadol with:
Other opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone)
Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam)
Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs, SNRIs)
Muscle relaxants
Alcohol
Anticholinergic drugs (can worsen constipation or urinary retention)
Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking before starting Aspadol.
Contraindications
Do not use Aspadol 100mg in the following situations:
Severe respiratory depression
Acute or severe bronchial asthma
Known hypersensitivity to Tapentadol
Paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction)
Patients with severe hepatic or renal impairment
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Aspadol is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risk to the fetus, especially during the third trimester.
Breastfeeding: Tapentadol may pass into breast milk. Use during lactation only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Overdose and Emergency Management
An overdose of Aspadol can cause severe respiratory depression, coma, and death. Symptoms of overdose include:
Pinpoint pupils
Slow or shallow breathing
Severe drowsiness
Loss of consciousness
What to do in case of overdose:
Call emergency services immediately.
Naloxone may be administered as an antidote to reverse opioid toxicity.
Storage Instructions
Store Aspadol tablet at room temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F).
Keep it away from moisture, heat, and direct light.
Store in a locked cabinet, away from children and pets.
Do not share this medication with others.
Aspadol 100mg vs. Aspadol 150mg
Feature | Aspadol 100mg | Aspadol 150mg |
---|---|---|
Strength | Moderate | High |
Use | Moderate-severe pain | Chronic or intense pain |
Dosage Frequency | Usually twice daily | Typically once or twice daily |
Risk of Side Effects | Lower | Higher |
Recommendation | Initial therapy | Escalated or maintenance therapy |
Patient Advice and Tips
Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Take the medicine at the same time every day to maintain pain control.
Avoid alcohol and sedative drugs unless approved by your physician.
Increase fiber and water intake to manage constipation.
Do not stop abruptly. Taper the dose under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
150mg Aspadol Tablet is a valuable option for managing moderate to severe pain when non-opioid treatments are ineffective. With its unique dual-action mechanism through Tapentadol, it provides both immediate and extended relief from different types of pain, including neuropathic and post-surgical discomfort.
However, it carries significant risks associated with opioid therapy. Strict adherence to dosage guidelines, regular consultation with a healthcare provider, and awareness of side effects are essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Use Aspadol responsibly, under medical supervision, and always balance the benefits of pain relief with the potential risks of misuse or dependence.