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NALBUPHINE (NAL byoo feen) treats severe pain. It is prescribed when other pain medications have not worked or cannot be tolerated. It works by blocking pain signals in the brain. It may also be used to cause drowsiness before a procedure. It belongs to a group of medications called opioids.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is for injection into a vein, muscle, or under the skin. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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This medication may interact with the following:
-Alcohol
-Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
-Certain medications for anxiety or sleep
-Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline
-Certain medications for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone
-General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol
-Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine
-Medications that relax muscles for surgery
-Other narcotic medications for pain or cough
-Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
Tell your care team if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medication. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medication for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medication for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medication because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medication. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a medication for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medication. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
If you are also taking a narcotic medication for pain or cough or another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how the medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medication will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your care team.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
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This does not apply.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake
-Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
-Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Constipation
-Dizziness
-Drowsiness
-Dry mouth
-Headache
-Nausea
-Vomiting
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.
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