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- What is nalbuphine- injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for nalbuphine- injection?
- Is nalbuphine- injection available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for nalbuphine- injection?
- What are the side effects of nalbuphine- injection?
- What is the dosage for nalbuphine- injection?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with nalbuphine- injection?
- Is nalbuphine- injection safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about nalbuphine- injection?
What is nalbuphine- injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Nalbuphine is a man-made opioid (narcotic) painkiller. Nalbuphine provides pain relief in a similar way as morphine (MS Contin), oxycodone (Oxycontin), and other narcotic analgesics. Narcotic painkillers stimulate the brain to increase the threshold to pain (the amount of stimulation it takes to feel pain) and reduce the perception of pain (the perceived importance of the pain). Nalbuphine is a mixed opioid agonist and antagonist because it stimulates and blocks pain receptors on nerves. The FDA approved nalbuphine in May 1979.
What are the side effects of nalbuphine- injection?
Side effects of Nalbuphine are sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, and low heart rate. Like other narcotics nalbuphine can cause respiratory depression (decreased rate or depth of breathing).
It may produce withdrawal in opioid dependent patients. Nalbuphine is a controlled substance and is habit forming. Mental and physical dependence can occur. Abruptly stopping the drug in patients who have been taking the drug for a long time can precipitate a withdrawal reaction. Symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, diarrhea, coughing, tearing, nasal discharge, profuse sweating, twitching muscles, and yawning.
Quick GuideChronic Pain: Causes and Solutions
What is the dosage for nalbuphine- injection?
Adults:
- Pain: For a 70 kg patient, inject 10 to 20 mg via subcutaneous, intravenous, or intramuscular route every 3 to 6 hours as needed. Maximum single dose of 20 mg. Maximum daily dose of 160 mg per day.
- Opioid-dependent patients: Administer ¼ of normal dose and observe withdrawal signs.
- Anesthesia supplement: Administer 0.3 to 3 mg/kg intravenously over 10 to 15 minutes, then 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg as needed.
Which drugs or supplements interact with nalbuphine- injection?
Nalbuphine should not be used with alvimopan (Entereg) because alvimopan increases nalbuphine levels in the body and increases side effects. Nalbuphine must be discontinued 7 days prior to using alvimopan.
Combining nalbuphine with fentanyl (Duragesic), alfentanil (Alfenta), buprenorphine (Subutex), and other opioid medications increases sedation and may cause withdrawal symptoms in narcotic addicts.
Nalbuphine should not be used with MAO inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Zelapar, Emsam, Eldepryl), and isocarboxazid (Marplan) as well as linezolid (Zyvox) antibiotic because they can increase nalbuphine toxicity, causing decreased blood pressure, fever, sleepiness, and in severe cases, death. Nalbuphine administration must be separated by 14 days from MAOI inhibitors and linezolid (Zyvox).
Is nalbuphine- injection safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Nalbuphine may enter breast milk in trace amount; therefore, it should be used with caution in mothers who are nursing.
What else should I know about nalbuphine- injection?
What preparations of nalbuphine- injection are available?
Nalbuphine injections are available in 10 mg/ml and 20 mg/ml strengths in 1 ml ampoule or 10 ml multi-use, flip-top vials.
How should I keep nalbuphine- injection stored?
Store Nalbuphine injections at room temperature between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F).
REFERENCES:
FDA Prescribing Information.
Medscape. nalbuphine (Rx) - Nubain.
Quick GuideChronic Pain: Causes and Solutions
Summary
Nalbuphine hydrochloride (Nubain) is a man-made narcotic painkiller. Nubain is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain; to be used prior to and during surgery to control pain; and for reducing pain during labor and delivery. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy safety information should be reviewed prior to using this medication.
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FDA Prescribing Information.
Medscape. nalbuphine (Rx) - Nubain.
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Complete List
Childbirth Class Options
Learn about your childbirth class options such as the Lamaze technique, The Bradley Method, The Alexander Technique, HypnoBirthing and where to find birthing classes.
Labor and Delivery
Labor signs can be very distinct for pregnant women. It is not possible to know what causes labor to start or when exactly it will start, but changes that indicate the beginning of labor include:- lightening,
- passing of the mucus plug,
- contractions,
- breaking the bag of water, and
- effacement and dilation of the cervix.
Pregnancy
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester). The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but others include
breast swelling and tenderness,
- nausea and sometimes vomiting,
- fatigue, and
- bloating.
Second trimester symptoms include
- backache,
- weight gain,
- itching, and
- possible stretch marks.
Third trimester symptoms are
- additional weight gain,
- heartburn,
- hemorrhoids,
- swelling of the ankles,
- fingers, and face,
- breast tenderness, and
- trouble sleeping.
Eating a healthy diet, getting a moderate amount of exercise, also are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Information about the week by week growth of your baby in the womb are provided.
Pregnancy Drug Dangers
Taking prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs or supplements should be discussed with your doctor. There are some medications that have been found to cause no problems in pregnancy, however, medications such as Accutane for acne, should never be taken during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Myths Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!
Pregnancy: Birthing and Parenting Classes
Preparing for a baby is an important step in parents' lives. Choosing the right birthing class and method (Lamaze, Bradley, etc.) is important for the mother, baby, and father or support giver. Parenting classes are also information for first time parents. Information is provided about diapering, feeding, and bathing your baby as well as the different stages of child development.Pregnancy: Pain Relief Options for Birth
Women experience and tolerate pain differently. For some pregnant women, focused breathing is all they need to get through labor and childbirth; but for others, numbing of the pain is desired. There are a number of different medications a woman can take during labor and childbirth. It is important for you to learn what pain relief options are available. Please discuss the options with your health care provider well before your "birth day" so that when you are in labor you understand the choices.
Surgery Questions
Surgery is the branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or injury. Prior to surgery you might consider asking your surgeon questions about the operation (procedure).
