Nefopam Hydrochloride

Indications

Nefopam Hydrochloride is used for: Acute and chronic pain

Adult Dose

Oral Moderate acute and chronic pain Adult: Initially, 60 mg but may range from 30-90 mg tid. Max: 300 mg daily. Elderly: Initially, 30 mg tid. Intramuscular Moderate acute and chronic pain Adult: 20 mg repeated every 6 hr if required. Patient should be lying down while receiving inj and should remain so for 15-20 min. Intravenous Moderate acute and chronic pain Adult: 20 mg by slow IV inj every 4 hr. Max 120 mg daily. Patient should be lying down while receiving inj and should remain so for 15-20 min.

Child Dose

Renal Dose

Administration

May be taken with or without food. May be taken w/ meals if GI discomfort occurs.

Contra Indications

History of convulsive disorders.

Precautions

Glaucoma, urinary retention, hepatic or renal impairment. Elderly. Pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Adverse effects increased with antimuscarinic or sympathomimetic drugs. Increased risk of seizures with TCAs. Increased CNS depressant effects with other sedatives. Potentially Fatal: Additive sympathomimetic effects with MAOIs.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Nefopam Hydrochloride : Nausea, vomiting, sweating, drowsiness, insomnia, urinary retention, dizziness, hypotension, tremor, paraesthesia, palpitations, lightheadedness, nervousness, mental confusion, blurred vision, headache, dry mouth, angioedema, tachycardia, euphoria, hallucinations, convulsions, temporary pink discolouration of the urine.

Mechanism of Action

Nefopam is a non-opioid analgesic and though it acts centrally, its mechanism is not defined. It also exerts antimuscarinic and sympathomimetic actions.