The Basics
What is Tapentadol?
An opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Brand names for Tapentadol
Braftovi
How Tapentadol is classified
Analgesic – Opioid, Narcotics
Tapentadol During Pregnancy
Tapentadol pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Tapentadol while pregnant
N/A
Taking Tapentadol While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Tapentadol?
Little information is available on the use of tapentadol during breastfeeding. Because it has opioid agonist activity, an alternate drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Newborn infants seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of even small dosages of narcotic analgesics.[1] Monitor infants for excess sedation and respiratory depression. If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breastfeeding is stopped.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Little information is available on the use of tapentadol during breastfeeding. Because it has opioid agonist activity, an alternate drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Newborn infants seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of even small dosages of narcotic analgesics.[1] Monitor infants for excess sedation and respiratory depression. If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breastfeeding is stopped.
Possible effects of Tapentadol on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Tapentadol
Acetaminophen, Butorphanol, Hydromorphone, Ibuprofen, Morphine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
