Glossary: Nucynta

Nucynta (noo-SIN-tuh)

A drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It binds to opioid receptors and other molecules in the central nervous system. Nucynta is a type of opioid and a type of analgesic agent. Also called tapentadol hydrochloride.

analgesic (A-nul-JEE-zik)

A drug that reduces pain. Analgesics include aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

central nervous system (SEN-trul NER-vus SIS-tem)

The brain and spinal cord. Also called CNS.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

drug (drug)

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

Nucynta (noo-SIN-tuh)

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

opioid (OH-pee-OYD)

A substance used to treat moderate to severe pain. Opioids are like opiates, such as morphine and codeine, but are not made from opium. Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Opioids used to be called narcotics. An opioid is a type of alkaloid.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)

tapentadol hydrochloride (tuh-PEN-tuh-dol HY-droh-KLOR-ide)

A drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It binds to opioid receptors and other molecules in the central nervous system. Tapentadol hydrochloride is a type of opioid and a type of analgesic agent. Also called Nucynta.

Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)