Nefopam
Brand name Acupan
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Nefopam is an analgesic drug used for the relief of moderate to severe pain caused by injury, surgery, and cancer. It has a strong and rapid effect and may also be used for severe toothache. Nefopam reduces the brain’s perception of pain, but its precise action is unclear.
Unlike most analgesics that act on the brain, nefopam does not interfere with breathing or lead to dependence or abuse. The drug does, however, have anticholinergic and sympathomimetic actions that may produce nervousness, nausea, and dry mouth. Since nefopam has a stimulatory effect on the heart, it is not used to treat the pain caused by heart attacks. A pink discoloration of the urine may occur, but is harmless.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, injection.
Frequency and timing of doses
3 x daily when necessary.
Adult dosage range
90-270mg daily.
Onset of effect
Within 1 hour.
Duration of action
4-8 hours.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember for persistent pain.
Stopping the drug
Can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. Large overdoses may cause drowsiness or fits. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
The adverse effects of this drug are mainly the result of its sympathomimetic and anti
cholinergic actions. These can sometimes be alleviated by dosage reduction.
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Symptom/effect
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Frequency
Common
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Rare
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Discus doctor
Only if severe
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with
In all cases
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Stop taking drug now
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Call
doctor
now
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Nausea
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•
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■
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Nervousness
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•
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■
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Dry mouth
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•
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■
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Dizziness/drowsiness
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•
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■
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Blurred vision
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•
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■
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Urinary retention
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•
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■
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Palpitations
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•
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■
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▲
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1
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INTERACTIONS
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
These drugs may produce a dangerous rise in blood pressure when taken with nefopam.
Sympathomimetic decongestants
Nefopam may increase the adverse effects of these drugs.
Anticholinergic drugs Nefopam increases the risk of side effects from drugs that also have anticholinergic effects. Such drugs include tricyclic antidepressants, some antihistamines, and some drugs for parkinsonism.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Non-opioid analgesic
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
▼ You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
▼ You have had epileptic fits.
▼ You have a heart condition.
▼ You have glaucoma.
▼ You have urinary difficulties.
▼ You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
▼ Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
▼ The drug passes into the breast milk, but at normal doses adverse effects on the baby are unlikely. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
▼ Not recommended.
Over 60
▼ Increased likelihood of adverse effects. Reduced dose may therefore be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
▼ Avoid such activities until you have learned how nefopam affects you because the drug can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Alcohol
▼ Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
No problems expected.
