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Drug Details

ACUPAN

• Drug Class Description
  Benzoxazocines (non-opioid analgesics).
• Generic Name
  Nefopam
• Presentation
  Tablet
• Description
  Nefopam Hydrochloride 30 mg.
• Indications
  

  Acupan is indicated for the relief of acute and chronic pain, including post-operative pain, dental pain, musculo-skeletal pain, acute traumatic pain and cancer pain.

• Adult Dosage
  

  Dosage may range from 1 to 3 tablets three times daily depending on response. The recommended starting dosage is 2 tablets three times daily.

• Child Dosage
  

  Since Acupan has not been evaluated in children, no dosage recommendation can be given for patients under 12 years

• Elderly Dosage
  

  Elderly patients may require reduced dosage due to slower metabolism. It is strongly recommended that the starting dose does not exceed one tablet three times daily as the elderly appear more susceptible to, in particular, the CNS side effects of Acupan and some cases of hallucinations and confusion have been reported in this age group.

• Contra Indications
  

  Acupan is contra-indicated in patients with a history of convulsive disorders and should not be given to patients taking mono-amine-oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

• Special Precautions
  

  The side effects of Acupan may be additive to those of other agents with anticholinergic or sympathomimetic activity. It should not be used in the treatment of myocardial infarction since there is no clinical experience in this indication. Hepatic and renal insufficiency may interfere with the metabolism and excretion of nefopam. Acupan should be used with caution in patients with, or at risk of, urinary retention. Rarely a temporary, harmless pink discolouration of the urine has occurred.

• Interactions
  

  Caution should be exercised when nefopam is administered concurrently with tricyclic antidepressants.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  
  • Nausea
  • nervousness
  • dry mouth and light-headedness
  • urinary retention
  • hypotension
  • syncope
  • palpitations
  • gastrointestinal disturbances (including abdominal pain and diarrhoea)
  • dizziness
  • paraesthesia
  • convulsions
  • tremor
  • confusion
  • hallucination
  • angioedema and allergic reactions may occur.
  • Less frequently
  • vomiting
  • blurred vision
  • drowsiness
  • sweating
  • insomnia
  • headache and tachycardia have been reported.