Tapentadol (Nucynta)--a new analgesic.

The FDA has approved tapentadol hydrochloride (Nucynta--Ortho-McNeil Janssen) for oral treatment of moderate to severe acute pain in patients >18 years old. It has been classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. Tapentadol (Nucynta) is a centrally acting oral analgesic with opioid and adrenergic activity. In studies published to date, it was as effective as oxycodone or morphine with a lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse effects, but until more data become available, older analgesics are preferred.