About nefopam
| Type of medicine |
Analgesic (painkiller) |
| Used for |
Pain relief |
| Also called |
Acupan® |
| Available as |
Tablets |
Nefopam is a painkiller which reduces moderate pain. It works by reducing the amount of pain you feel. Exactly how it does this is not fully understood although it is thought to interrupt the way pain messages are sent to your brain from your body.
It is used for dental pain, muscular pain, pain associated with cancer and for pain after surgery.
Before taking nefopam
Before taking nefopam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.
- If you have ever had epilepsy (fits).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take nefopam
- Before taking nefopam, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take nefopam exactly as your doctor has told you to. The usual dose is two tablets taken three times a day, although your doctor may adjust this dose to suit you.
- Take the tablets with a drink of water.
- Try to take your doses at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking nefopam as it will increase the side-effects of drowsiness and feeling light-headed.
- Nefopam may colour your urine pink. This is harmless and nothing to be concerned about.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with nefopam.
Can nefopam cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects |
What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling sick |
Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods. Speak with your doctor if this continues |
| Drowsiness or feeling light-headed |
Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Do not drink alcohol |
| Dry mouth |
Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets |
| Urine coloured pink |
This is completely harmless |
| Nervousness and difficulty passing urine |
Speak with your doctor if this occurs |
How to store nefopam
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
- Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
- Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
- If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
|
Print