Targinact 20Mg/10Mg Uses
Targinact 20mg/10mg is a specialized medication designed for the management of severe pain and certain other conditions where traditional opioids may not be ideal. Understanding its uses, benefits, and essential precautions is crucial for patients and caregivers seeking effective, well-tolerated pain relief.
Essential Highlights
- Targinact 20mg/10mg combines oxycodone (an opioid painkiller) and naloxone (which helps reduce opioid-induced constipation) for the long-term management of severe pain.
- It is prescribed when pain is significant enough to require daily, around-the-clock opioid therapy and other options are insufficient.
- Targinact is also approved as second-line therapy for severe to very severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS) after other treatments fail.
- The medication must be taken exactly as directed and is not suitable for “as needed” use.
- Safe use requires close medical supervision, especially regarding dosage, side effects, and interactions.
- Explore more about Targinact 20mg/10mg and related treatments on Uses.co.za.
Table of Contents
What is Targinact 20Mg/10Mg?
Primary Uses of Targinact 20Mg/10Mg
How Targinact Works: Combining Oxycodone and Naloxone
How to Take Targinact: Dosage and Administration
Benefits and Advantages
Potential Side Effects and Safety Information
Precautions and Contraindications
Internal and External Resources
FAQs About Targinact 20Mg/10Mg
What is Targinact 20Mg/10Mg?
Targinact 20mg/10mg is a combination medication containing oxycodone (20 mg) and naloxone (10 mg) in a prolonged-release tablet, specifically designed for chronic, severe pain management.
This formulation is used when other pain treatments are not effective enough and the need for strong, daily pain relief is clear. Targinact also aims to reduce common opioid side effects, especially constipation, by incorporating naloxone, an opioid antagonist[1][3][5][7].
Oxycodone is a powerful opioid painkiller; naloxone acts mainly in the gut to counteract constipation without reducing the pain relief effects of oxycodone.
Primary Uses of Targinact 20Mg/10Mg
Targinact 20mg/10mg is primarily indicated for:
- Long-term management of severe, chronic pain requiring around-the-clock opioid therapy, especially when other painkillers are inadequate[1][5][7].
- Second-line symptomatic treatment of severe to very severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS) after failure of standard dopaminergic therapies[7].
Targinact is not suitable for:
- Occasional or mild pain that does not require continuous opioid treatment[1].
- Short-term or “as needed” pain relief scenarios[1][3].
For more on clinical uses and guidance, visit the Targinact uses overview.
How Targinact Works: Combining Oxycodone and Naloxone
The unique combination in Targinact offers strong pain relief with reduced risk of opioid-induced constipation.
- Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and providing relief.
- Naloxone acts mostly in the digestive system, where it blocks oxycodone’s constipating effects but does not interfere with its pain-killing action[1][3][5].
This means patients can often take strong opioids for chronic pain with fewer gastrointestinal side effects—a significant issue in long-term pain therapy.
How to Take Targinact: Dosage and Administration
Targinact 20mg/10mg tablets are designed for twice-daily dosing, providing 24-hour pain control.
- Take one tablet every 12 hours, preferably at the same times each day.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water—do not crush, chew, or dissolve, as this can result in rapid drug release and dangerous side effects[3].
- Always follow your doctor’s exact instructions and do not change your dose or stop suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider[3].
- If pain is not controlled or side effects become unmanageable, contact your doctor—additional painkillers or laxatives may sometimes be necessary[3].
Benefits and Advantages
Targinact 20mg/10mg delivers several important benefits compared to traditional opioid therapy:
- Effective relief of chronic severe pain for cancer, advanced disease, or persistent non-cancer pain[1][5].
- Lower rates of opioid-induced constipation due to naloxone’s localized effects in the gut[5].
- May improve quality of life by allowing patients to remain on opioid therapy with fewer gastrointestinal issues[5].
- Simplifies therapy—patients may need fewer extra laxatives.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Information
Like all strong opioids, Targinact can produce side effects that need close monitoring.
Common side effects:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Headache
– Drowsiness or sedation
– Dizziness
Less frequent but serious side effects:
– Breathing problems (especially in high doses or if combined with other depressants)
– Withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly
– Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
– Risk of addiction or misuse
Constipation is less frequent than with standard opioids, but may still occur, especially at higher doses[3][5].
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, or confusion[1].
Precautions and Contraindications
Targinact 20mg/10mg is not suitable for everyone. Important restrictions apply:
- Do not use if you have:
- Mild or occasional (non-chronic) pain
- Severe asthma or breathing difficulties
- Serious liver dysfunction
- Active alcoholism
- History of seizures
- Certain bowel conditions (e.g., paralytic ileus)
- Allergy to oxycodone, naloxone, or other opioids
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18 years old[1]
- Do not use for opioid withdrawal or as part of addiction treatment.
- Drug interactions: Avoid with recent or current use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)[1].
Discuss your full medical history and medication use with your physician before starting Targinact.
Explore more about who should and should not use this medication on Uses.co.za.
Internal and External Resources
- More local resources, patient stories, and in-depth guides: Uses.co.za
- Specific guide: Targinact 20mg/10mg Uses
- General medication uses: What is this medicine used for?
External resources for further reading:
– NHS—Targinact patient information
– European Medicines Agency—Targinact assessment
– Drugs.com—Targinact details
FAQs About Targinact 20Mg/10Mg
What is the main use of Targinact 20mg/10mg?
Targinact is primarily used for chronic, severe pain requiring continuous opioid therapy, and as a second-line treatment for severe restless legs syndrome when other options fail[1][7].
Why does Targinact contain naloxone?
Naloxone is included to counteract oxycodone-induced constipation, reducing a common and significant side effect of opioid treatment[5].
How should I take Targinact 20mg/10mg?
Take as prescribed, twice daily, swallowing the tablet whole with water. Never crush or chew the tablet; doing so can be dangerous[3].
Can Targinact be used for short-term pain or on an as-needed basis?
No, Targinact is not suitable for occasional or mild pain and should not be used “as needed”[1].
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember if it’s not close to your next dose. Never double up to make up for a missed tablet. If in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.
Who should not take Targinact 20mg/10mg?
Those with certain breathing, liver, or bowel conditions; children; pregnant or breastfeeding women; and anyone with a known allergy to its components should avoid this medication[1].
Are there safer alternatives to Targinact?
Your doctor will consider all options before prescribing Targinact. If other pain medications are effective and tolerated, they may be preferable. Targinact is reserved for situations where alternatives are insufficient or cause intolerable side effects[1][7].
For more detailed medication guidance and patient resources, visit the dedicated Targinact 20mg/10mg page or explore the full range of uses for medicines.
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