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Targin: what it is for and side effects

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

One of the biggest challenges for scientists who are in charge of developing new drugs is to achieve the effects they seek, but avoiding possible side effects as much as possible. Practically all medicines have an effect that conditions their use in some patient, even if their main effect is precisely what the patient needs. However, with the passage of time, new ideas and proposals arise to improve the positive effects and reduce the negative ones in medicines, thus expanding the scope of some of these medicines.

An example of this is Targin, a drug that a few years ago was approved for use as an analgesic for certain types of patients after successfully reducing its negative effects. We invite you to continue reading this FastlyHealarticle about Targin: what it is for and side effects so that you can catch up and learn everything you need to know about one of the innovations in pharmacology.

What is the Targin

Targin is a drug whose main function is to be a very powerful analgesic and is made up of two different compounds called oxycodone and naloxone:

  • The Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic and, therefore, is quite powerful and can achieve pain relief when more conventional drugs do not work.
  • For its part, naloxone is an opioid antagonist, therefore, it is the opposite of naloxone and is even used in acute opioid detoxification therapies.

Although the use of two opposite medications seems somewhat contradictory, the purpose of this is to counteract some of the side effects of oxycodone, especially constipation , while maintaining the analgesic effects. To promote a low incidence of side effects and increase analgesia time, this drug also has the characteristic of being a prolonged release.

What is Targin for

The use of Targin, like that of other opioid analgesics, is indicated in cases of severe pain that do not respond well to the consumption of conventional analgesics such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac or any other anti-inflammatory analgesic. Opioid analgesics in general are always considered as a higher notch in analgesic capacity when compared to common analgesics.

It is especially useful in cases of osteoarthritis accompanied by severe pain, in pain in cancer patients and as part of post-surgical treatment . The addition of naloxone is very convenient, since one of the main side effects of opioids is gastrointestinal, which is mitigated by adding the antagonist.

Targin is also used to treat severe to very severe restless leg syndrome . It is prescribed for this when the syndrome cannot be treated with dopaminergic drugs. Targin tablets help to calm the uncomfortable and uncomfortable sensations that are suffered in the legs and, therefore, reduce the urgent need to move the legs that patients with this disease present.

Targin contraindications

Due to the limited number of studies of the effects of Targin in young people under 18 years of age, it is recommended to avoid use for this age group. Similarly, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should also avoid its consumption due to the risk of damaging the child in formation or growth.

As with all opioid analgesics, it is not advisable to combine the use of Targin with activities that require high levels of attention or alertness, such as manipulating machinery or driving , since being a drug that acts on the system nervous, opioids can decrease the responsiveness of the user.

Among other of the most common Targin contraindications, the following should be considered:

  • People with respiratory diseases that decrease the passage of air, such as asthma or obstructive disease.
  • In combination with sleeping pills, tranquilizers, antidepressants or other medicines with effects on the central nervous system. The doctor should be consulted in this case.
  • Allergy to any of its compounds.
  • Paralytic voice.
  • Liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis .
  • Acute abdomen.
  • Head injuries

In addition to those already mentioned:

  • Pregnant
  • Lactating women.
  • People who are going to drive or use heavy machinery.

targin: two

When taking Targin , the dose indicated by the doctor in each case should always be respected, as well as when to take the doses and the duration of treatment. Here are the usual Targin doses:

  • To treat pain: starting dose of 10 mg oxycodone hydrochloride / 5 mg naloxone hydrochloride every 12 hours.
  • To treat restless legs syndrome: starting dose of 5 mg oxycodone hydrochloride / 2.5 mg naloxone hydrochloride every 12 hours.

However, it will be the doctor who will adjust the dose of Targin based on each patient and how it should be distributed throughout the day. You should also indicate if the dose should be readjusted throughout the treatment and how long it will last.

Targin: side effects

One of the main problems with opioid painkillers and therefore a possibility with the use of Targin is that these drugs have the potential to create a dependency , either physical or psychological, in the user and therefore also creating a withdrawal syndrome . An advantage in the case of Targin is that it is a drug that usually concentrates small amounts of the opioid and is manufactured so that its release is slow. However, those who abuse doses or who abruptly substitute another opioid pain reliever may notice some of the following side effects:

  • Skin rash
  • Sweating
  • Cramps
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Palpitations
  • Fainting
  • Respiratory problems
  • Rhinitis
  • Urinary problems

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Targin: what it is for and side effects , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .

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