Nefopam, sold under the brand name Acupan among others, is a centrally acting, non- opioid painkilling medication, that is primarily used to treat moderate to severe pain.
What are Acupan tablets?
Acupan tablets contain the active ingredient nefopam hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine known as a non-opioid painkiller. It is not fully understood how nefopam works, but it interrupts the pain messages being sent to the brain and also acts in the brain to stop pain messages being felt.
What is nefopam used for?
You can change your cookie settings at any time using our cookies page. 1. About nefopam Nefopam is a painkiller. It treats moderate pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, dental pain, joint pain and muscle pain, or pain from cancer.
Is nefopam hydrochloride a narcotic?
Nefopam hydrochloride is a potent and rapidly-acting analgesic. It is totally distinct from other centrally-acting analgesics such as morphine, codeine, pentazocine and propoxyphene. Unlike the narcotic agents, nefopam hydrochloride has been shown not to cause respiratory depression.
What are the side effects of nefopam?
Key facts Nefopam is usually prescribed when other painkillers such as paracetamol or naproxen do not help your pain. Your pain should start to improve 1 to 2 hours after taking the tablets. The most common side effects include feeling sick or dizzy. Nefopam might colour your pee pink, but this is harmless.
What does nefopam hydrochloride do?
About nefopam Nefopam is a painkiller. It treats moderate pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, dental pain, joint pain and muscle pain, or pain from cancer. You can also take nefopam for other types of long-term pain when weaker painkillers no longer work.
Is nefopam a strong painkiller?
Nefopam is a potent and rapidly-acting analgesic. It is totally distinct from other centrally-acting analgesics such as morphine, codeine, pentazocine and propoxyphene.
Is nefopam a relaxant?
In contrast to the parent molecules, nefopam has no antihistaminic activity, keeping only the muscle relaxant effects. Clinically, nefopam is used as muscle relaxant, but—and this was originally not anticipated—it is also an antidepressant and an analgesic.
What are nefopam side effects?
Nausea, nervousness, dry mouth and light-headedness, urinary retention, hypotension, syncope, palpitations, gastrointestinal disturbances (including abdominal pain and diarrhea), dizziness, paraesthesia, convulsions, tremor, confusion, hallucination, angioedema, and allergic reaction may occur.
Is nefopam the same as tramadol?
A difference between the two medicines, is that contrary to nefopam, tramadol has been linked to serotonin syndrome.
Is morphine stronger than nefopam?
The estimated relative potency of nefopam to morphine indicates that 20 mg of nefopam HCl is the approximate analgesic equal of 12 mg of morphine SO4. There were no adverse effects with nefopam and one adverse reaction to morphine.
What type of drug is nefopam?
Nefopam (NFP) is a non-opioid, non-steroidal, centrally acting analgesic drug that is derivative of the non-sedative benzoxazocine, developed and known in 1960s as fenazocine.
Is nefopam good for sciatica?
No evidence was identified for paracetamol, nefopam or muscle relaxants other than benzodiazepines for the management of sciatica. The committee agreed that none of these are widely prescribed for sciatica.
How does nefopam make you feel?
You have been prescribed nefopam to relieve pain. The usual dose is two tablets taken three times a day. It can cause side-effects such as feeling sick (nausea), a dry mouth, and feeling light-headed.
Does nefopam make you sleep?
Nefopam Tablets can cause drowsiness. You should NOT drive or use machines when you first start to take this medicine until you are certain that you are not getting any side effects. If in any doubt, speak to your doctor before you drive or use machines.
What is Acupan tablets used for?
ACUPAN is used to relieve both short term pain and long lasting pain (for example pain after an operation, dental pain, joint or muscle pain or after an injury). ACUPAN should not be used to treat the pain from a heart attack. been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed ACUPAN for another purpose.
Is nefopam good for sciatica?
No evidence was identified for paracetamol, nefopam or muscle relaxants other than benzodiazepines for the management of sciatica. The committee agreed that none of these are widely prescribed for sciatica.
Is tramadol stronger than codeine?
Official answer. Both tramadol and codeine are prescription opioid painkillers, and they seem to be equally effective in terms of pain relief. There is no evidence that tramadol is any stronger than codeine at relieving pain.
Can nefopam be abused?
Violent behavior, tremor after massive intake, and depressive symptoms during withdrawal are similar to those reported with psychostimulant abuse. Conclusions: When abused, nefopam has primarily psychostimulant-like effects, which are probably linked to its dopamine reuptake inhibition properties.
What is Nefopam used for?
1. About nefopam. Nefopam is a painkiller. It treats moderate pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, dental pain, joint pain and muscle pain, or pain from cancer.
How do you know if you're taking Nefopam?
If you've taken nefopam for a long time, speak to your doctor if you want to stop taking it. They may want you to reduce your dose gradually, to prevent you having extra side effects.
How to stop feeling dizzy after taking Nefopam?
feeling dizzy or lightheaded – if nefopam makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you still feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit up for a while until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you're feeling dizzy. Do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
What to do if you take too much Nefopam?
Do not drive yourself to hospital – get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance. Take the nefopam packet or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.
How old do you have to be to take Nefopam?
Nefopam can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years and above.
What to do if you forget to take Nefopam?
If you forget to take nefopam, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
Can you take Nefopam while breastfeeding?
have an uncommon kind of glaucoma called angle closure glaucoma. are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding – nefopam is generally not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What is the active ingredient in Acupan?
The active substance in Acupan 30mg Tablets is nefopam hydrochloride 30mg. In addition the other ingredients are dibasic calcium phosphate
What is the active substance in Acupan?
Acupan belongs to a group of medicines called analgesics, commonly known as pain killers or pain relievers. The active substance, nefopam
What to do if you take too much Acupan?
If you take more Acupan than you should. If you accidentally take more tablets than your prescribed dose, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately and if necessary contact your. nearest hospital casualty department. Remember to take the pack and any remaining medicines with you.
What to do if you forget to take Acupan?
If you forget to take Acupan, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more than one dose at the same time to make up for the forgotten
Does hydrochloride stop pain?
hydrochloride, interrupts the pain messages being sent to your brain, and it also acts in your brain to stop pain messages being felt. This means that Acupan does not stop the pain from happening, but you will not be able to feel the pain as much.
Can acupuncture cause drowsiness?
Acupan can cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery unless you know how Acupan affects you. 3. How to take Acupan. Dosage for adults: Always take Acupan exactly as your doctor has told you. The usual initial dose is two tablets taken three times a day.
Can you take Acupan while pregnant?
Tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking any of these medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Acupan should not be taken during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine. Please contact your doctor if you become pregnant during your treatment.
How long does nefopam stay in your system?
The drug is approximately 73% protein-bound across a plasma range of 7 to 226 ng/mL (28–892 nM). The metabolism of nefopam is hepatic, by N - demethylation and via other routes. Its terminal half-life is 3 to 8 hours, while that of its active metabolite, desmethylnefopam, is 10 to 15 hours. It is eliminated mostly in urine, and to a lesser extent in feces.
When was fenazoxine first developed?
In the 1960s, when it was first developed, it had the generic name fenazoxine.
Does nefopam reduce glutamate?
The mechanism of action of nefopam and its analgesic effects are not well understood, although inhibition of the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent dopamine (that is, acting as an SNDRI) is thought to be involved. It also reduces glutamate signaling via modulating sodium and calcium channels.
Is Nefopam contraindicated?
Nefopam is contraindicated in people with convulsive disorders, those that have received treatment with irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine or isocarboxazid within the past 30 days and those with myocardial infarction pain, mostly due to a lack of safety data in these conditions.
Is Nefopam an analgesic?
Nefopam is effective for prevention of shivering during surgery or recovery from surgery. Nefopam was significantly more effective than aspirin as an analgesic in one clinical trial, although with a greater incidence of side effects such as sweating, dizziness and nausea, especially at higher doses.
Does Nefopam help with pain?
Nefopam acts in the brain and spinal cord to relieve pain via novel mechanisms: antinociceptive effects from triple monoamine reuptake inhibition, and antihyperalgesic activity through modulation of glutamatergic transmission.
Can nefopam cause death?
Overdose. Overdose and death have been reported with nefopam. Overdose usually manifests with convulsions, hallucinations, tachycardia, and hyperdynamic circulation. Treatment is usually supportive, managing cardiovascular complications with beta blockers and limiting absorption with activated charcoal.
What is Nefopam used for?
Nefopam is a painkiller which is prescribed to relieve moderate pain which is not being controlled by other painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin. Although it is not fully understood how it works, it is thought to interrupt the way pain messages are sent to your brain from your body. This means you feel less pain.
Can you take Nefopam while pregnant?
For these reasons, before you start taking nefopam it is important that your doctor knows : If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding. If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or any problems with the way your kidneys work. If you have been experiencing any difficulties passing urine.
Can Nefopam make your urine pink?
Nefopam could give your urine a pink colour. This is nothing to worry about; it is harmless. If you buy or take any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with a pharmacist first that they are safe for you to take with nefopam.
Can nefopam cause problems?
The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with nefopam. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
How much Nefopam is excreted?
Nefopam hydrochloride is excreted mainly in urine. Less than 5% of a dose is excreted unchanged in the urine. Approximately 8% of a dose is excreted via the faeces.
How long does it take for Nefopam to peak?
Nefopam hydrochloride is absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations occur about 1-3 hours after oral administration.
What is the clinical pattern of nefopam toxicity in overdose?
The clinical pattern of nefopam toxicity in overdose is on the neurological (convulsions, hallucination and agitation) and cardiovascular systems (coma, tachycardia with a hyperdynamic circulation). Routine supportive measures should be taken and prompt removal of ingested drug by gastric Lavage or induced vomiting with Syrup of Ipecacuanha should be carried out. Oral administration of activated charcoal may help prevent absorption.
Why is it important to report adverse reactions?
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Is Nefopam a centrally acting analgesic?
Nefopam hydrochloride is a potent and rapidly-acting analgesic. It is totally distinct from other centrally-acting analgesics such as morphine, codeine, pentazocine and propoxyphene.
Is Nefopam excreted in milk?
Nefopam is excreted in human milk. Concentrations are approximately the same as those in maternal plasma. Since there is a risk of adverse effects in the nursing infant, breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with Nefopam 30 mg tablets.
Is Nefopam 30 mg a contraindication?
Nefopam 30 mg tablets are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
What Is It Used for?
How Does It Work?
- Acupan tablets contain the active ingredient nefopam hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine known as a non-opioid painkiller. It is not fully understood how nefopam works, but it interrupts the pain messages being sent to the brain and also acts in the brain to stop pain messages being felt. Nefopam has fewer side effects than strong opioid pai...
How Do I Take It?
- Acupan tablets can be taken either with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water.
- The dose prescribed and how often the medicine needs to be taken depends on the severity of the pain you are experiencing. The usual starting dose in adults is two tablets taken three times a day....
- Acupan tablets can be taken either with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water.
- The dose prescribed and how often the medicine needs to be taken depends on the severity of the pain you are experiencing. The usual starting dose in adults is two tablets taken three times a day....
- It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor. These will be printed on the dispensing label your pharmacist has put on the packet of medicine.
Warning!
- This medicine may sometimes cause drowsiness, lightheadedness and blurred vision and so may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you kno...
- This medicine may colour the urine pink. This is normal and not harmful.
Use with Caution in
- Elderly people.
- People with decreased kidney function.
- People with decreased liver function.
- People who have difficulty passing urine, for example men with an enlarged prostate gland.
Not to Be Used in
- Children under 12 years old.
- People with a history of convulsions or fits, for example due to epilepsy.
- People taking medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These include the antidepressants phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and moclobemide; rasagiline and selegiline used in...
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine. 1. The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy h…
Side Effects
- Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. 1. Feeling sick. 2. Nervousness. 3. Dry mouth. 4. Lightheaded…
How Can This Medicine Affect Other Medicines?
- It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Likewise, always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to check that the combination is safe. Nefopam should not be taken at the same time as m…
Other Medicines containing The Same Active Ingredient
- There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain nefopam as the active ingredient. Last updated 29.11.2012