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nalbuphine

Partial kappa-opioid receptor agonist, partial mu-opioid receptor agonist · Analgesic

Partial kappa-opioid receptor agonist, partial mu-opioid receptor agonistAnalgesic
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Top interactionssee all 12 →
  • AlprazolamSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AlvimopanSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AmobarbitalSevereDatabaseDDInter
  • AripiprazoleSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Nalbuphine is a partial agonist at kappa- and mu-opioid receptors. It has a ceiling effect for analgesia and respiratory depression.

Indications

analgesia

Dosing

Adult
Parenteral: 10 mg/3–4 h
Pediatric
Parenteral: 0.1 mg/kg/3–4 h

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life
2–3 h
Bioavailability
Oral: 20-25% of intramuscular potency

Side effects

Common
sedationsweatingheadache
Serious
  • dysphoria
  • racing thoughts
  • distortions of body image (at high doses)
  • physical dependence (with prolonged administration)

Drug interactions

Alprazolam
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Alvimopan
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amobarbital
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Aripiprazole
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Asenapine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Baclofen
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Benzhydrocodone
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: others

Source: DDInter

Brexpiprazole
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Buprenorphine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Bupropion
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Buspirone
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Butabarbital
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Substance use disorders
NIMHANS · Psychiatry · 2022

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team