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Nefopam

  • Nefopam is used for mild to moderate pain.
  • It can cause side-effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.
  • If you are affected by drowsiness or blurred vision do not start any task that could be dangerous if you could not see properly or were not fully alert.

About nefopam

Type of medicine Painkiller (analgesic)
Used for Pain after surgery, dental pain, muscular pain and pain associated with cancer
Also called Acupan
Available as Tablets
Injection

Nefopam reduces the feeling of mild to moderate pain, it is sometimes used as an alternative to morphine.

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 suffer from liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water).
  • If you suffer from epilepsy.
  • If it has been prescribed for a person under 12 years of age.
  • If you have been taking MAOIs (a type of anti-depressant) recently.

How to take nefopam

  • Nefopam is usually taken three times a day or every 8 hours by mouth.
  • The injection would usually be given to you by a nurse or doctor.

Can nefopam cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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
Drowsiness and lightheadedness 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. Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness.
Urine discoloured pink This is completely harmless and is no cause for concern.
Dry mouth This can be relieved by chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. Alternatively a saliva substitute is available to purchase from your pharmacist. If your mouth becomes too dry, speak with your doctor.
Sweating Take care not to become overheated during hot weather. You may also feel the cold more than you would usually, so ensure you wrap up and wear plenty of clothing if you are going out in the cold.
Nausea This may pass as your body adjusts to your new medicine. Speak with your doctor if this continues.
Nervousness and difficulty passing water (urinating) Speak to your doctor if this occurs.

How to store nefopam

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • 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. Always take the container with you, if possible, 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.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • 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.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1182		 DocRef:
dils2229		 Last Updated:
25 Oct 2006		 Date of Next Review:
24 Oct 2008		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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