Fatal nefopam overdose

Emerg Med J. 2010 May;27(5):407-8. doi: 10.1136/emj.2009.082974. Epub 2010 Apr 1.

Abstract

Nefopam hydrochloride (Acupan) is a potent non-opioid analgesic widely used for the relief of moderate to severe postoperative pain. The drug is generally well tolerated, but it has a broad spectrum of side effects including tachycardia, sweating, nausea, seizures and hallucinations. When taken in overdose, nefopam has been reported to cause cardiac conduction abnormalities, cerebral oedema, fever and renal failure. The case is presented of a previously healthy 19-year-old man who presented to the emergency department in cardiac arrest following intentional nefopam overdose. It is only the fourth reported case of fatal nefopam overdose in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / poisoning*
  • Drug Overdose / etiology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nefopam / poisoning*
  • Suicide
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
  • Nefopam