GENERIC NAME

NALBUPHINE

BRAND NAME
CLASSIFICATION
MODE OF ACTION

Nubain
Analgesic
Nalbuphine is a phenanthrene derivative opioid
analgesic with mixed opioid agonist and antagonist
activity. It inhibits the ascending pain pathways, altering
the perception of and response to pain by binding to
opiate receptors in the CNS. It also produces
generalised CNS depression.
Onset: IV: 2-3 minutes; SC/IM: 15 minutes.
Duration: 3-6 hr.
Absorption: Peak plasma concentrations after 30
minutes (IM/IV).
Distribution: Crosses the placenta.
Metabolism:
Undergoes
extensive
first-pass
metabolism in GI mucosa and liver.
Excretion: Via urine and faeces (as unchanged drug
and conjugates). Elimination half-life: 5 hr.
07/20/13 (Post-operative)
1mg IVTT q4h x 3 doses
Management of moderate to severe pain; preoperative
and postoperative analgesia; supplement to balanced
anesthesia;

DATE ORDERED
DOSAGE
INDICATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS

NUBAIN should not be administered to patients who

are hypersensitive to nalbuphine hydrochloride, or to
any of the other ingredients in NUBAIN.
ADVERSE EFFECTS
The most frequent adverse reaction in 1066 patients
treated in clinical studies with NUBAIN was sedation
381 (36%)
Less frequent reactions were: sweaty/clammy 99 (9%),
nausea/vomiting 68 (6%), dizziness/vertigo 58 (5%),

dry mouth 44 (4%), and headache 27 (3%)

NURSING
RESPONSIBILITIES

Caution patient or caregiver that medication may

be habit forming and, if used at home, to use
exactly as prescribed and not to change the dose or
discontinue therapy unless advised by health care
provider.

Advise patient or caregiver that if medication

needs to be discontinued after prolonged use

Advise patient or caregiver to notify health care

provider if any of the following occur: excessive
sedation or drowsiness; slow or shallow breathing;
low BP; slow heart rate; severe constipation.