Brand Names: Nubain

Generic Name: nalbuphine (Pronunciation: NAL bue feen)

• What is nalbuphine (Nubain)?
• What are the possible side effects of nalbuphine (Nubain)?
• What is the most important information I should know about nalbuphine (Nubain)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before I receive nalbuphine (Nubain)?
• How is nalbuphine given (Nubain)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Nubain)?
• What happens if I overdose (Nubain)?
• What should I avoid while receiving nalbuphine (Nubain)?
• What other drugs will affect nalbuphine (Nubain)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is nalbuphine (Nubain)?

Nalbuphine is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to morphine.

Nalbuphine is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also used for treating pain just after surgery or childbirth.

Nalbuphine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of nalbuphine (Nubain)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• fast or slow heart rate;
• cold, clammy skin;
• confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• severe weakness or dizziness; or
• feeling like you might pass out.

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin;
• nausea, vomiting,, stomach cramps;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• dry mouth, unpleasant taste;
• sweating;
• itching or burning sensation;
• headache; or
• trouble with speech or vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Nubain (nalbuphine hydrochloride) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about nalbuphine (Nubain)?

Nalbuphine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Nalbuphine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Nalbuphine may cause unpleasant side effects if you are already taking other narcotic pain medicines. Before you receive nalbuphine, tell your doctor about all other pain medicines you have recently used.

Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have asthma or other breathing disorder, liver or kidney disease, gallbladder disease, mental illness, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Tell your doctor if you take other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or any other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.

Nalbuphine may cause unpleasant side effects if you are already taking other narcotic pain medicines. Before you receive nalbuphine, tell your doctor about all other pain medicines you have recently used.