Nalbuphine (Nubain®)

Question 1

Nalbuphine - Class

Answer 1

• Synthetic narcotic analgesic

* Narcotic agonist-antagonist (agonist at kappa opioid receptors, antagonist at mu opioid receptors)

Question 2

Nalbuphine - Actions

Answer 2

• CNS depressant

* Decreases sensitivity to pain

Question 3

Nalbuphine - Indications

Answer 3

• Moderate to severe acute pain
• CP associated with MI
• Chronic pain syndromes

Question 4

Nalbuphine - Dosage/Route

Answer 4

2-10 mg slow IVP
OR
5-10 mg deep IM

Question 5

Nalbuphine - Side Effects

Answer 5

• CNS depression/Altered LOC
• Respiratory depression (not as severe as morphine)
• Dizziness/facial flushing/euphoria

Question 6

Nalbuphine - Contraindications

Answer 6

• Pts with a hypersensitivity to narcotics
• Hypotension/Hypovolemia
• Head injury

Question 7

Nalbuphine - Special Information

Answer 7

• Analgesic potency is approximately equal to that of morphine at equivalent doses
• Onset of action 2-3 min (IV), lasts 3-6 hours
• Use with caution in pts with impaired respiratory function or respiratory depression; Narcan should be available to reverse respiratory arrest
• Has a weak narcotic antagonist effect and may precipitate withdrawal syndrome in narcotic dependent pts

Question 8

Nalbuphine - Pediatric Note

Answer 8

Not recommended