Nefopam is used to help relieve sudden, short- or long-term pain such as dental pain, muscle and joint pain, pain after an injury or operation, or pain caused by cancer.
Take Nefopam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have a history of epilepsy (fits or seizures) as Nefopam may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Nefopam if you are currently taking a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- angle-closure glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- heart disease
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement)
- inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Nefopam to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
This medicine is not recommended to be used for the treatment of pain caused by a heart attack.
Avoid long-term use of any painkillers.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. screening test for certain medicines), inform your doctor or the laboratory personnel that you are taking Nefopam.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver or kidney function is normal before you take this medicine or thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice.
Nefopam may cause dizziness, drowsiness or some problems with your eyesight such as blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Your urine may look slightly pinkish in colour. This is normal while you are being treated with this medicine. This is harmless, do not be alarmed.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, confusion, shakiness, and sweating.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fainting or feeling lightheaded
- rapid heartbeat, chest pain
- difficulty passing urine
- fits or seizures
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Nefopam if you are currently taking a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, doxepin, fluoxetine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.