Wang X, et al. - The efficacy and safety of Tapentadol (TAP) immediate release (IR), a newer opioid option for acute pain, vs other opioids were determined via performing a systematic review. Researchers searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science and included 13 studies and 1 abstract in the systematic review (n = 12,814 patients). The qualitative review was performed on 5 studies and 1 abstract among these (n = 9,108 patients). The meta-analysis was performed on eight randomized controlled trials (n = 3,706 patients) comparing 50 to 100 mg TAP IR vs 5 to 15 mg oxycodone IR. Outcomes support comparable effectiveness of TAP IR to other opioids at higher doses for acute pain with its association with fewer gastrointestinal adverse effects. Hence, consideration can be given to TAP IR as a first-line opioid for acute pain.