Nefopam Hydrochloride

Efopam is indicated for the relief of acute pain, including post-operative, dental, musculo-skeletal and acute traumatic pain. It is also indicated in chronic pain like cancer pain.

Nefopam Hydrochloride is a centrally acting analgesic with a rapid onset of action. The main site of action appears to be in the central nervous system both at the brain and spinal levels. In vitro experiments have shown Nefopam to inhibit the re-uptake of various catecholamines (including noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine). It is possible that the mechanism of action of nefopam is at least in part by altering the levels of these neuromodulators in the brain and at the spinal level.

Tablet- Adults : Dosage may range from 30 to 90 mg three times daily depending on response. The recommended starting dosage is 2 tablets three times daily. Elderly : Elderly patients may require reduced dosage due to slower metabolism. It is strongly recommended that the starting dose does not exceed 1 tablet 3 times daily. Injection- Adult : 20 mg by IM injection, repeated every 6 hours if necessary. It also be given by slow IV injection in similar dose. Children: Not recommended for children under the age of 12 years.

Efopam is generally well tolerated. However the most common side-effects are nausea, nervousness, dry mouth, lightheadedness and urinary retention. The less common side-effects are vomiting, blurred vision, drowsiness, sweating, insomnia, headache, confusion, hallucinations, tachycardia and aggravation of angina.