Nalbuphine
About
Nalbuphine belongs to the group of opioid analgesics used to relieve severe pain. It may also be used as an adjunct to balanced anaesthesia for pre/post-operative analgesia, during labour and delivery. Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensation produced in the body in response to external changes, stress, or trauma.
Nalbuphine contains 'Nalbuphine' that works by reducing the production of inflammatory substances (prostaglandins) and thus, relieves the body of swelling and subsequent pain. Nalbuphine also blocks pain-producing nerve transmitters, leading to a reduced sensation of pain and offering massive pain relief.
Nalbuphine will be administered by a qualified health care professional. Do not self-inject. Nalbuphine may cause certain common side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any of the components of Nalbuphine. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding as Nalbuphine should be used with caution in these states. Nalbuphine may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery.
Uses of Nalbuphine
Medicinal Benefits
Nalbuphine is an analgesic that is used as a painkiller for short-term management of severe pain. Nalbuphine blocks pain signals, so the brain doesn't perceive the severity of pain, hence increasing the body's threshold for pain. Nalbuphine may also be used as an adjunct to balanced anaesthesia for pre/post-operative analgesia, during labour and delivery.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Nalbuphine
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Nalbuphine if you are allergic to any of the contents; if you have acute or severe asthma, respiratory depression, gastrointestinal obstruction, or paralytic ileus. Nalbuphine should not be taken with other opioid analgesics, CNS depressant drugs, or benzodiazepines as it might lead to life-threatening respiratory depression. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, COPD, adrenal insufficiency, severe hypotension, increased intracranial pressure, brain problems, head injury, gastrointestinal problems, seizures, kidney or liver problems. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Nalbuphine may impair your mental and physical ability. You are advised not to take alcohol with Nalbuphine as it might cause increased sedation and respiratory depression. Keep your doctor informed if you or anyone in your family have a history of substance abuse as Nalbuphine may cause addiction, abuse, and misuse.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Nalbuphine may interact with other opioid analgesics, CNS depressants, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, diuretics, anticholinergic drugs, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have asthma, paralytic ileus, respiratory depression, COPD, adrenal insufficiency, severe hypotension, increased intracranial pressure, brain problems, head injury, gastrointestinal problems, seizures, depression, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are advised not to take alcohol with Nalbuphine as it might cause increased sedation and respiratory depression.
Pregnancy
cautionNalbuphine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely indicated. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionNalbuphine should be used with caution during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
unsafeNalbuphine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Nalbuphine in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Nalbuphine in case of kidney problems. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
unsafeNalbuphine is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your physician if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Invest in a balanced diet. Load up on lean meats, fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, oily fish etc. Limit your intake of sweets and sugars as these can worsen inflammation.
- Cut back on alcohol as this can have an adverse effect on pain states as well as the quality of your sleep.
- Try meditation and deep breathing to reduce overall stress and pain.
- Stop smoking as smoking is known to worsen pain conditions.
- Engage in mild physical exercise daily and keep your body active.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: Pain is a sensation that occurs in response to external injury, stress, infection and travels as an impulse through body cells, producing an unpleasant feeling and alerting the body to act. Pain relief in pharmacological terms is called analgesia. Various neurotransmitters and their equilibrium are instrumental in producing pain sensation.
FAQs
Nalbuphine works by blocking the impulses of pain and increasing the threshold of pain in the body.
Nalbuphine is not recommended in those suffering from asthma as there may be a reaction. Consult your doctor before use.
Nalbuphine is not indicated to treat headaches due to migraines. It is best to get your headache checked by a professional. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
No, Nalbuphine should not be taken with other opioid analgesics, CNS depressant drugs, or benzodiazepines as it might lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
