Fatal nefopam overdose.
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.
Kerr
Deborah E
DE
Emergency Department, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK. debbiekerr@doctors.org.uk
Fletcher
Alan K
AK
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000209:etiology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009340:Nefopam / Q000506:poisoning*; D013405:Suicide; D055815:Young Adult
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D009340:Nefopam