Nalbuphine

Trade Name: Nubain

Uses

  • Management of severe pain
  • Opioid-induced pruritus

Adverse Effects

  • Sedated state
  • Cold/clammy skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider risk of sedated state and potential impact on ability to engage with physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment. Consider risk of sedated state and potential impact on ability to engage with physiotherapeutic assessment and treatment.

Route of Administration

  1. Intramuscular (IM)Intramuscular (IM)
  2. Intravenous (IV)Intravenous (IV)
  3. SubcutaneousSubcutaneous

Mechanism of Action

Agonist of kappa opiate receptors and partial antagonist of mu opiate receptors in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathways
  • Alteration of pain perception
  • Alteration of response to pain
  • Generalized depression of the central nervous system

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

30 minutes to 40 minutes

Duration of Action

3 hours to 6 hours

Time to Onset

10 minutes to 15 minutes

Last updated: April 24, 2026