nefopam

Last reviewed 01/2018

Nefopam is a centrally-acting non-opioid analgesic, which has no effect on bleeding time and platelet aggregation.

• nefopam, a benzoxazocine substance, is structurally related to orphenadrine and dyphehydramine (1)
  
  
• nefopam is neither a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug nor an opiate
  
  
• the mechanisms of analgesic action of nefopam are not well understood, they are similar to those of triple neurotransmitter (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) reuptake inhibitors and anticonvulsants (2)
  
  
• nefopam has been used mainly as an analgesic drug for nociceptive pain, as well as a treatment for the prevention of postoperative shivering and hiccups
  
  
• nefopam is not associated with respiratory inhibition

Consult the summary of product characteristics before prescribing nefopam.

Reference:

• Heel RC, Brogden RN, Pakes GE, Speight TM, Avery GS. Nefopam: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy. Drugs. 1980;19(4):249-67.
• Kim KH, Abdi S.Rediscovery of nefopam for the treatment of neuropathic pain.Korean J Pain. 2014 Apr;27(2):103-11.