Description:

Acupan (Nefopam) 20mg/2ml Injection (5 ampoules by Biocodex) is a non-opioid, non-NSAID analgesic used for the short-term relief of moderate to severe acute pain. It acts centrally in the brain and spinal cord to inhibit pain transmission through multiple mechanisms (including norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine reuptake inhibition) without significant anti-inflammatory or opioid-like effects. It is particularly useful for postoperative pain, musculoskeletal pain, dental pain, or pain where opioids or NSAIDs are contraindicated or insufficient. In Ghana (Accra), it is a prescription injectable available in hospitals and pharmacies for acute pain management.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; administered by healthcare professionals via IM or slow IV injection in hospitals/clinics; not for self-administration or OTC dispensing due to risk of side effects and need for monitoring).

Therapeutic Category:

Non-Opioid Analgesic (Central-acting analgesic).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Nefopam hydrochloride – 20 mg per 2 ml ampoule (10 mg/ml). Other ingredients: Sodium chloride (for isotonicity), water for injection, and hydrochloric acid/sodium hydroxide (pH adjustment to ~4.0–5.5). The solution is clear, colourless to pale yellow, sterile, and ready-to-use.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Acupan 20mg/2ml Injection (standard 2 ml ampoule; pack of 5 ampoules). Related variants: Nefopam 30mg tablets (oral form for less severe pain), higher-volume ampoules (rare), or other nefopam brands. The 20mg/2ml ampoule is the standard injectable strength.

Consume Type:

Injectable – Intramuscular (IM) or slow Intravenous (IV) injection (administered only by healthcare professionals; slow IV to avoid adverse reactions).

Directions/Usage: Administered only in clinical settings.

• Adults: Typical dose 20 mg (1 ampoule of 2 ml) IM or slow IV every 6 hours as needed.
• Maximum daily dose: 120 mg (6 ampoules).
• IV: Inject slowly over at least 2–3 minutes (to minimize risk of tachycardia or convulsions).
• IM: Deep intramuscular injection (alternate sites).
• Duration: Short-term (usually 1–3 days); switch to oral analgesics as soon as possible.
• Not recommended for children under 12 years (limited data).

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea, vomiting
• Sweating
• Dizziness, light-headedness
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Nervousness, restlessness
• Blurred vision Rare/serious (seek immediate help): Convulsions/seizures, urinary retention, severe allergic reactions (rash, anaphylaxis), hallucinations, or cardiovascular effects (hypertension, arrhythmias).

Package Type:

Glass ampoules of 2 ml (each containing 20 mg nefopam hydrochloride; packs of 5 ampoules; labelled carton with instructions and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Administered only under medical supervision (risk of convulsions, tachycardia, and anticholinergic effects).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to nefopam, convulsive disorders (e.g., epilepsy), severe hepatic/renal impairment, acute myocardial infarction, or with MAO inhibitors (risk of hypertensive crisis).
• Caution in elderly (increased side effects), glaucoma, urinary retention, or cardiovascular disease.
• Avoid alcohol (increases sedation and CNS effects).
• If seizures, severe tachycardia, confusion, or allergic symptoms occur, stop use and seek urgent care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar injectable non-opioid analgesics in Ghana include:

• Paracetamol IV (Perfalgan or generic for pain/fever).
• Ketorolac injection (NSAID for acute pain).
• Tramadol injection (opioid-like analgesic).
• Diclofenac injection (NSAID).
• Other nefopam brands (rare; generics may be available). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., hospital pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Biocodex (France-based; original developer and manufacturer of Acupan nefopam injection). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Biocodex regional affiliates or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported product).

Country of Origin:

France (manufactured by Biocodex; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies/hospitals).