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Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL Injection, Solution, 10 ampules — NDC 00409-1463-01 package photo
Label image from the product's FDA listing (DailyMed) — may show a different pack size or an older label revision.

Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL Injection, Solution, 10 ampules — NDC 0409-1463-01 (Billing 00409-1463-01)

by Hospira, Inc. · 10 AMPULE in 1 TRAY / 1 mL in 1 AMPULE

This is a package of 10 ampules of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL Injection, Solution from Hospira, Inc., marketed since Jun 2008 and currently FDA-listed; retail pharmacies pay about $4.32 per mL (NADAC). It is the main listing for this product, which comes in 2 package sizes.

NDC 00409-1463-01
🏷️ FDA NDC (as labeled) 0409-1463-01 billing pads the labeler segment with a zero
This package
Contains10 ampules Cost per mL$4.32 NADAC Per package$43.22 / 10 ml Pack sizes2 compare ↓
Also priced by: Medicaid pays $12.72/unit — full pricing hub ↓
Main listing for product 0409-1463 · Also comes in: 10 ampules 0409-1463-49
Rx only Generic On market Non-controlled ⇄ Compare with another NDC
🗂️ FDA directory synced Oct 8, 2026 · this listing last changed Aug 6, 2026 · sources: openFDA · FDA label (DailyMed) · FDA Orange & Purple Book · First Databank · CMS NADAC, ASP, Medicare & Medicaid · RxNorm
📋 All sources & update times →

NDC database record

One package, one record: these facts belong to NDC 0409-1463-01 alone.

Record
FDA NDC Directory package listing · Human prescription drug
Code segments
0409 labeler · 1463 product · 01 package
Package marketed since
Mar 31, 2005
Sample package
No — commercial package
Listing certified through
Dec 31, 2026
Barcode (UPC-A, from the NDC)
3 0409146301 1
Medicaid fills, this package
779 prescriptions in the last four reported quarters
FDA record last changed
Aug 6, 2026

Identity & classification

Regulatory identifiers FDA, NLM and CMS codes for this package

FDA NDC (as labeled) 0409-1463-01
Product NDC 0409-1463
11-digit billing NDC 00409146301
NCPDP billing unit ML — per mL (volume)
RxCUI 1866543
UNII ZU4275277R
Application # ANDA070914
SPL Set ID a99fe500-f52b-483c-807c-178f1a78a02b
Established class (EPC) Opioid Agonist/Antagonist
Mechanism of action Competitive Opioid Antagonists; Partial Opioid Agonists
DEA schedule Non-controlled
Marketing category ANDA
Marketing status On market
FDA listing status Listed (active directory)
Marketing start 2008-06-27
Route INTRAMUSCULAR, INTRAVENOUS, SUBCUTANEOUS
Dosage form INJECTION, SOLUTION
Substance NALBUPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE
TE code (Orange Book) AP · RLD · RS

Drug-database identifiers Medi-Span GPI and First Databank GCN / HICL / AHFS classification

GCN Seq No 004229
GCN 16360
HICL code 001744
Ingredient (HICL) Nalbuphine Hcl
HIC1 code H
Therapeutic class — broad (HIC1) Nervous System (Except Autonomic)
HIC2 code H3
Therapeutic class — intermediate (HIC2) Analgesics
HIC3 code H3A
Therapeutic class — specific (HIC3) Opioid Analgesics
AHFS code 28:08.12.00
AHFS class Opioid Partial Agonists
FDB label name NALBUPHINE 10 MG/ML AMPUL
FDB brand name Nalbuphine Hcl
Legend status F — Federal legend — prescription drug or device
Quick answers
  • GSN (GCN sequence number): 004229
  • GCN: 16360
  • HICL (First Databank): 001744
  • AHFS class code: 28:08.12.00
  • RxCUI (RxNorm): 1866543
Why two NDCs? The FDA registers this code as 0409-1463-01 — a 4-4-2 layout, and that's what's printed on the package and shown on DailyMed. For insurance claims, every NDC is standardized to a uniform 11-digit 5-4-2 format by adding a zero to the labeler segment → 00409-1463-01. Same drug, same package — only the format differs.
Where does this data come from?
Identifiers from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Structured Product Labeling; RxCUI from RxNorm (NLM); GPI from Medi-Span; GCN / HIC / AHFS / legend from First Databank.

RxNorm drug class

This medicine belongs to the Opioid Agonist/Antagonist class.

Pharmacologic class Opioid Agonist/Antagonist
Drug family (ATC) Morphinan derivatives
How it works Partial Opioid Agonists, Competitive Opioid Antagonists
Where does this data come from?
Therapeutic classes from RxNorm RxClass (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Established Pharmacologic Class (FDA), ATC drug family (WHO) and mechanism of action, matched by this product’s RxCUI.

Clinical

Label name NALBUPHINE 10 MG/ML AMPUL Ingredient Nalbuphine Hcl
📖 What it is MedlinePlus · NLM

Nalbuphine injection is used to relieve severe pain. It is also used with other medications and anesthesic agents before, during, and after surgery and other medical procedures. Nalbuphine injection is in a class of medications called opioid agonist-antagonists. It works by changing the way the body senses pain.

Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗
📗 Our plain-language guide HelloPharmacist
  • It treats pain that is severe enough to need an opioid when other treatments aren't enough. It's also used as part of anesthesia, for pain before and after surgery, and for pain du...
  • Given into a vein, it starts working in 2 to 3 minutes. Given into a muscle or under the skin, it works in under 15 minutes. Pain relief usually lasts about 3 to 6 hours.
  • How quickly does it work and how long does it last?
  • Sleepiness is the most common. You might also feel sweaty or clammy, nauseated, dizzy, or have a dry mouth or headache. Tell your care team right away if your breathing slows, you...
📖 Read our full Nalbuphine Injection guide →
Where does this data come from?
Plain-language summary from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine); supplement & herbal interactions and nutrient depletion data from the Natural Medicines database; our full guide is HelloPharmacist editorial content.

Pricing

A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.

Price systemPer mLPer package
Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly $4.322 $43.22 / 10 ml
Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo $12.72 $127.15 / 10 ml
Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data.
Medicare Part B allowsASP · J2300 $4.287 / J2300 unit —
NADAC price history (per mL) — tap or hover for the price & month
Dec 2025 Jan 2026 Feb 2026 Mar 2026 $4.322 $4.322
Flat over the last 4 months.
Where does this data come from?
NADAC (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) is the CMS weekly pharmacy-acquisition-cost survey — what pharmacies pay. ASP (Average Sales Price) is the CMS Medicare Part B drug-payment file, published quarterly. Medicaid pays is computed by us from CMS State Drug Utilization Data (total reimbursed ÷ units, trailing 12 months) — gross of rebates and inclusive of dispensing fees, so it reflects what Medicaid paid, not an acquisition cost. Medicare drug plans pay is the median negotiated point-of-sale unit cost across plans listing this NDC in the CMS quarterly Prescription Drug Plan pricing files, before rebates. The VA pays is the federal contract price (FSS, and the statutory Big 4 ceiling where listed) from the VA National Acquisition Center pharmaceutical price file. All are free public government data; each measures a different payer, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Billing & reimbursement

FDA NDC (as labeled)0409-1463-01
11-digit billing NDC00409-1463-01
Format4-4-2 as registered → padded to 5-4-2 for billing (zero added to the labeler segment)
HCPCS J-codeJ2300
DescriptorINJECTION, NALBUPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE, PER 10 MG
Billing units / pkg1 units
How the units are derivedThis package is 1 ML; the HCPCS unit is 10 MG, so one package = 1 billing unit.
Medicare Part B spend (2026 (Q1))$1,489 · 362 claims · $4.11 per claim (all NDCs under J2300)
Crosswalk sourcePDAC NDC-HCPCS crosswalk (DME MAC / DMEPOS)
Where does this data come from?
The HCPCS J-code crosswalk comes from the CMS ASP NDC-HCPCS crosswalk and the DMEPDAC (DME MAC) NDC-HCPCS crosswalk — free public CMS data. Billing units are derived from the code’s descriptor and the package amount.

Packaging — all sizes for this product

Package NDCDescription Per unit Per pack Marketing startMarketing endStatus
00409-1463-49 0409-1463-49 10 AMPULE in 1 TRAY / 1 mL in 1 AMPULE $4.32 / mL $43.22 2008-06-27 — Active
00409-1463-01 You're viewing this Main listing 10 AMPULE in 1 TRAY / 1 mL in 1 AMPULE $4.32 / mL $43.22 2005-03-31 — Active

This pack effectively ties for the lowest per-mL cost of the 2 priced pack sizes ($4.32 NADAC).

In Medicaid, this is the most-dispensed pack of this product — about 81% of fills over the last four reported quarters. See all packs ↓

Pack size FAQ

What quantity is in this package?
This package contains 10 ampules — 10 ampule in 1 tray / 1 ml in 1 ampule.
How does this package differ from NDC 00409-1463-49?
Both are Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL Injection, Solution — the drug itself is identical. This page's package is the 10 ampules one, while NDC 00409-1463-49 is the 10 ampules package.
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL Injection, Solution?
Use the 11-digit billing form listed in the identifiers section of this page. Pharmacy and medical claims use the 11-digit form; the FDA label may print a shorter form of the same code.

Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.

Therapeutic equivalents

ProductLabelerPackNADAC/unitTEStatusPrice vs. this
Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mLthis 00409-1463-01 Hospira, 10 ampules $4.322 AP Availability likely —
Nalbuphine hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 70069-0671-10 Somerset 10 ampules $4.322 AP Availability likely —
Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 00404-9918-01 Henry 1 ampule — AP FDA listed —
Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 71872-7114-01 Medical 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Nalbuphine hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 70069-0661-10 Somerset 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 84549-0464-01 ProPharma 10 ml — AP FDA listed —
Nalbuphine Hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 00409-1464-01 Hospira, 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
Nalbuphine hydrochloride 10 mg/mL 71872-7331-01 Medical 1 vial — AP FDA listed —
About this product: this is a generic version of the medicine. FDA equivalence ratings are shown when available, and other versions are listed above, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
Equivalents are other NDCs of the same ingredient, form and route from the openFDA NDC Directory, ranked least-expensive-first by NADAC. Therapeutic-equivalence (AB) ratings come from the FDA Orange Book; biologics use the FDA Purple Book for biosimilar & interchangeable status.

Availability & generic status

🏛️
2008
On the market since
Jun 2008
📍
2026
Currently FDA-listed
18 years listed
🔓
·
Generic on the market
this product is a generic
✅This is a generic drug

This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.

Where does this data come from?
Patents and exclusivity from the FDA Orange Book (small-molecule drugs), refreshed from public FDA data. Generic launch timing is an estimate, not a guarantee.

Inactive Ingredients / Excipients

Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.

🧪 Avoiding an ingredient? See Nalbuphine Injection inactive ingredients by manufacturer: every current product's list side by side, so you can ask your pharmacy for the version that does not list it.

💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.

  • 0.63 mg / 1 mL UNII XF417D3PSL
    Anhydrous citric acid is a sour, crystalline powder derived from citric acid with water removed. In medicines, it acts as a buffer to control pH, adds tartness to improve taste, and helps tablets disintegrate.
  • UNII QTT17582CB
    A strong acid used to adjust and maintain the proper pH level in liquid medicines, ensuring stability and preventing breakdown of active ingredients.
  • UNII 451W47IQ8X
    Sodium chloride is common table salt. It's used in medicines as a buffer to maintain proper pH, as a filler to add bulk, or to adjust the osmotic balance in liquid formulations.
  • UNII 55X04QC32I
    A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
  • 0.47 mg / 1 mL UNII B22547B95K
    A salt derived from citric acid that helps maintain the proper acid-base balance in the medicine. It's used as a buffer to keep the product stable and at the right pH level.
  • UNII 059QF0KO0R
    Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.

6 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.

Where does this data come from?
Data sourced from official FDA Structured Product Labeling (SPL) via DailyMed — ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.

Inactive ingredient FAQ

Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
No. Inactive ingredients can differ by manufacturer, dosage form, strength, and package / product version.
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Some SPLs do not provide a complete structured inactive-ingredient list, and older or unusual labels may only include the information in narrative text.
Can inactive ingredients matter?
Yes. They can matter for allergies, intolerances, dyes, gluten / lactose concerns, preservatives, and formulation differences — but confirm with a pharmacist or the manufacturer when it’s clinically important.

Manufacturer & labeler

LabelerHospira, Inc.
Application holderHOSPIRA INC
FDA applicationANDA070914 (ANDA)
Labeler code00409
First marketedJun 2008
Product typeHuman Prescription Drug
Portfolio317 products on file
The labeler markets the product; the application holder owns the FDA approval. They’re often the same company but can differ (e.g. a repackager or an authorized generic). A mailing address / phone appears here when the manufacturer includes it in the product’s FDA label (not all do).
Where does this data come from?
Labeler, application holder and registered establishment from the FDA openFDA NDC Directory and Drugs@FDA; address/contact from the product’s FDA label.

Full prescribing information FDA SPL

The complete FDA label for this product — the official prescribing information, verbatim, section by section. Very long sections are excerpted here and marked; the full text is on DailyMed (linked in the sources below). Jump with a chip, search within the label, or expand everything.
🚨 Boxed Warning 177 words ▾

WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF NALBUPHINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTION Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ]. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase.

To reduce the ‎risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing, and titration of ‎‎Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection are essential [see WARNINGS ]. Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ].

🎯 Indications and Usage 116 words ▾

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection can also be used as a supplement to balanced anesthesia, for preoperative and postoperative analgesia, and for obstetrical analgesia during labor and delivery. Limitations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration and persist over the course of therapy [see WARNINGS ], reserve opioid analgesics, including Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.

⏱️ Dosage and Administration ~3 min read ▾

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection should be administered as a supplement to general anesthesia only by persons specifically trained in the use of intravenous anesthetics and management of the respiratory effects of potent opioids. An overdose reversal agent (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene), resuscitative and intubation equipment and oxygen should be readily available. Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time ‎consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see WARNINGS ]. ‎Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve ‎titration to higher doses of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection ‎for patients in whom lower ‎doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of ‎using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks.‎ There is variability in the opioid analgesic dose and duration needed to ‎adequately manage pain due both to the cause of pain and to individual ‎patient factors.

Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient's underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see WARNINGS ]. Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, ‎especially when initiating and following dosage increases with ‎Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection‎. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when ‎making dose adjustments [see WARNINGS ].

Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Initial Dosage The usual recommended adult dose is 10 mg for a 70 kg individual administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously; this dose may be repeated every 3 to 6 hours as necessary. Use the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia.

Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain, physical status of the patient, and other medications which the patient may be receiving [see WARNINGS ]. In nontolerant individuals, the recommended single maximum dose is 20 mg with a maximum total daily dose of 160 mg. The use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection as a supplement to balanced anesthesia requires larger doses than those recommended for analgesia.

Induction doses of nalbuphine hydrochloride range from 0.3 mg/kg to 3 mg/kg intravenously to be administered over a 10-to-15-minute period with maintenance doses of 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg in single intravenous administrations as required. The use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection may be followed by respiratory depression which can be reversed with the opioid antagonist naloxone hydrochloride. Titration and Maintenance of Therapy Titrate the dose based upon the individual patient’s response to their initial dose of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection.

Individually titrate Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving nalbuphine hydrochloride to assess the maintenance of pain control‎, signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal,‎ and other adverse reactions, as well as to reassess for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse [see WARNINGS ]. Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesic requirements, including initial titration.

If the level of pain increases after dosage stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection dosage. If after increasing the dosage, unacceptable opioid-related adverse reactions are observed ‎(including an increase in pain after a dosage increase)‎, consider reducing the dosage ‎[see WARNINGS ]‎. Adjust the dosage to obtain an appropriat… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

⛔ Contraindications 62 words ▾

CONTRAINDICATIONS Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with: • Significant respiratory depression [see WARNINGS ] • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see WARNINGS ] • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see WARNINGS ] • Hypersensitivity to nalbuphine or any of the other ingredients in Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection.

⚠️ Warnings ~3 min read ▾

WARNINGS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection contains nalbuphine. As an opioid, nalbuphine exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ]. The risk of opioid‑related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy.

In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. Opioids are sought for non-medical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when handling Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection.

Strategies to reduce these risks include proper product storage and control practices for a C-II drug. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended.

Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene), depending on the patient's clinical status [see OVERDOSAGE ]. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24 to 72 hours of initiating therapy with and following dosage increases of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection are essential [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ].

Overestimating the Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection dosage when converting patients from another opioid product can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion.

In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the opioid dosage using best practices for opioid taper [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ]. Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection with benzodiazepines and/or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids [gabapentin or pregabalin], and other opioids).

Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone.

Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics [see PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ]. If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already rec… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🤒 Adverse Reactions ~2 min read ▾

ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse reaction in 1066 patients treated in clinical studies with Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection was sedation 381 (36%). Less frequent reactions were: sweaty/clammy 99 (9%), nausea/vomiting 68 (6%), dizziness/vertigo 58 (5%), dry mouth 44 (4%), and headache 27 (3%). Other adverse reactions which occurred (reported incidence of 1% or less) were: CNS Effects: Nervousness, depression, restlessness, crying, euphoria, floating, hostility, unusual dreams, confusion, faintness, hallucinations, dysphoria, feeling of heaviness, numbness, tingling, unreality.

The incidence of psychotomimetic effects, such as unreality, depersonalization, delusions, dysphoria and hallucinations has been shown to be less than that which occurs with pentazocine. Cardiovascular: Hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia. Gastrointestinal: Cramps, dyspepsia, bitter taste.

Respiratory: Depression, dyspnea, asthma. Dermatologic: Itching, burning, urticaria. Miscellaneous: Speech difficulty, urinary urgency, blurred vision, flushing and warmth.

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylactic/anaphylactoid and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following the use of nalbuphine and may require immediate, supportive medical treatment. These reactions may include shock, respiratory distress, respiratory arrest, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, hypotension, or laryngeal edema. Some of these allergic reactions may be life-threatening.

Other allergic-type reactions reported include stridor, bronchospasm, wheezing, edema, rash, pruritus, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, weakness, and shakiness. Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of nalbuphine. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Abdominal pain, pyrexia, depressed level or loss of consciousness, somnolence, tremor, anxiety, pulmonary edema, agitation, seizures, and injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, redness, burning, and hot sensations. Death has been reported from severe allergic reactions to Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection treatment. Fetal death has been reported where mothers received Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection during labor and delivery.

Serotonin Syndrome : Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs. Adrenal Insufficiency : Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been ‎reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see WARNINGS ]‎.

Hypoglycemia : Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients ‎taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one ‎predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes). Opioid-Induced Esophageal Dysfunction (OIED) : Cases of OIED have been reported in patients taking opioids and may occur more frequently in patients taking higher doses of opioids, and/or in patients taking opioids longer term [see WARNINGS ].

Adverse Reactions from Observational Studies A prospective, observational cohort study estimated the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse in patients initiating long-term use of Schedule II opioid analgesics between 2017 and 2021. Study participants included in one or more analyses had been enrolled in selected insurance plans or health systems for at least one year, were free of at least one outcome at baseline, completed a minimum number of follow-up assessments, and either: 1) filled multiple extended-release/long-acting opioid analgesic prescriptions during a 90‑day period (n=978); or 2) filled any Schedule II opioid analgesic prescriptions covering at least 70 of 90 days (n=1,244).

Those included also had no dispen… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🔄 Drug Interactions ~2 min read ▾

Drug Interactions Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Although Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection possesses opioid antagonist activity, there is evidence that in nondependent patients it will not antagonize an opioid analgesic administered just before, concurrently, or just after an injection of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection. Therefore, due to additive pharmacologic effects, the concomitant use of other opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants such as alcohol, non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), and other opioids, can increase the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.

Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see WARNINGS ].

Serotonergic Drugs The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue), has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see PRECAUTIONS; Information for Patients ].

If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) MAOI (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid) interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome [see PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ] or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma [see WARNINGS ]).

The use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Muscle Relaxants Nalbuphine may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone) and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.

Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Diuretics Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.

Anticholinergic Drugs The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs.

🤰 Pregnancy ~3 min read ▾

Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics‎ for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Available data with Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In animal reproduction studies, nalbuphine decreased pup survival and pup body weights when pregnant female rats were treated late in gestation and throughout lactation at 1.7 times the MRHD and when female and male rats treated either prior to mating and throughout gestation and lactation.

No malformations were observed in either rats or rabbits at doses 6.1 and 3.9 times the MRHD, respectively [see Data ] . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Severe fetal bradycardia has been reported when nalbuphine hydrochloride is administered during labor. Naloxone may reverse these effects.

Although there are no reports of fetal bradycardia earlier in pregnancy, it is possible that this may occur. This drug should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus, and if appropriate measures such as fetal monitoring are taken to detect and manage any potential adverse effect on the fetus. Labor and Delivery The placental transfer of nalbuphine is high, rapid, and variable with a maternal to fetal ratio ranging from 1:0.37 to 1:6.

Fetal and neonatal adverse effects that have been reported following the administration of nalbuphine to the mother during labor include fetal bradycardia, respiratory depression at birth, apnea, cyanosis, and hypotonia. Some of these events have been life-threatening. Maternal administration of naloxone during labor has normalized these effects in some cases.

Severe and prolonged fetal bradycardia has been reported. Permanent neurological damage attributed to fetal bradycardia has occurred. A sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern associated with the use of nalbuphine has also been reported.

Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection should be used during labor and delivery only if clearly indicated and only if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the infant. Newborns should be monitored for respiratory depression, apnea, bradycardia and arrhythmias if Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection has been used. Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates.

An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions.

However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression. Data Animal Data Pregnant rats were treated with nalbuphine hydrochloride from Gestation Day 6 to 15 via subcutaneous doses of 7, 14, or 100 mg/kg/day (0.4, 0.85, or 6.1 times the MRHD of 160 mg/day based on body surface area, respectively).

There was no evidence of malformations or embryotoxicity despite reductions in maternal weight gain in the mid- and high-dose groups. Pregnant rabbits were treated with nalbuphine h… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧒 Pediatric Use 18 words ▾

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients below the age of 18 years have not been established.

🧓 Geriatric Use 179 words ▾

Geriatric Use Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) may have increased sensitivity to Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection. In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Respiratory depression is the chief risk for elderly patients treated with opioids and has occurred after large initial doses were administered to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that depress respiration.

Titrate the dosage of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection slowly in geriatric patients and frequently reevaluate the patient for signs of central nervous system ‎and respiratory depression [see WARNINGS ]. Nalbuphine is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

🆘 Overdosage ~1 min read ▾

OVERDOSAGE Clinical Presentation Acute overdose with Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection alone can be manifested by respiratory depression and dysphoria. Acute overdose with Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection and other opioids or CNS depressants can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death.

Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ]. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed.

Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to nalbuphine hydrochloride overdose, administer an opioid overdose reversal agent such as naloxone or nalmefene.

Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of nalbuphine, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably re-established. If the response to an opioid overdose reversal agent is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional reversal agent as directed by the product’s prescribing information. In an individual physically‑dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the reversal agent will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome.

The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the reversal agent administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically‑dependent patient, administration of the reversal agent should be initiated with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the reversal agent.

🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ~3 min read ▾

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Mechanism of Action Nalbuphine is an agonist at kappa opioid receptors and an antagonist at mu opioid receptors. Pharmacodynamics Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is a potent analgesic. Its analgesic potency is essentially equivalent to that of morphine on a milligram basis up to a dosage of approximately 30 mg.

The opioid antagonist activity of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is one-fourth as potent as nalorphine and 10 times that of pentazocine. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection may produce the same degree of respiratory depression as equianalgesic doses of morphine. However, Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection exhibits a ceiling effect such that increases in dose greater than 30 mg do not produce further respiratory depression in the absence of other CNS active medications affecting respiration.

Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection by itself has potent opioid antagonist activity at doses equal to or lower than its analgesic dose. When administered following or concurrent with mu agonist opioid analgesics (e.g., morphine, oxymorphone, fentanyl), nalbuphine hydrochloride may partially reverse or block opioid-induced respiratory depression from the mu agonist analgesic. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection may precipitate withdrawal in patients dependent on opioid drugs.

Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection should be used with caution in patients who have been receiving mu opioid analgesics on a regular basis. Effects on the Central Nervous System Nalbuphine produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxide tension and electrical stimulation.

However, there may be a ceiling effect for the respiratory depression caused by nalbuphine. Although a mixed agonist/antagonist, the respiratory depressant effects of nalbuphine can be reversed by naloxone. Nalbuphine causes miosis, even in total darkness.

Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origins may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to hypoxia in overdose situations. Effects on the Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle Nalbuphine causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum.

Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm, resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of sphincter of Oddi, transient elevations in serum amylase, and opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED).

Effects on the Cardiovascular System During use of nalbuphine during anesthesia, a higher incidence of bradycardia has been reported in patients who did not receive atropine pre-operatively. Opioids produce peripheral vasodilation, which may result in orthostatic hypotension or syncope. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension.

Effects on the Endocrine System Opioids inhibit the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. They also stimulate prolactin, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagon. Use of opioids for an extended period of time may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility.

The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psycho… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧬 Mechanism of Action 18 words ▾

Mechanism of Action Nalbuphine is an agonist at kappa opioid receptors and an antagonist at mu opioid receptors.

📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling 100 words ▾

HOW SUPPLIED Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is supplied as a sterile solution in single-dose ampuls for intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous administration, and available as follows: Unit of Sale Concentration NDC 0409-1463-49 Tray of 10 – 1 mL Single-dose Ampuls 10 mg/mL Store at 20℃ to 25°C (68℉ to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] Protect from excessive light. Store in carton until contents have been used. Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA For Medical Information about Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, please visit www.pfizermedinfo.com or call 1-800-438-1985.‎ Novaplus is a registered trademark of Vizient, Inc.

LAB-0838-14.0 Revised: 12/2025 Novaplus logo

📋 Description 176 words ▾

DESCRIPTION Nalbuphine hydrochloride is a synthetic opioid agonist-antagonist analgesic of the phenanthrene series. It is chemically related to both the widely used opioid antagonist, naloxone, and the potent opioid analgesic, oxymorphone. Chemically nalbuphine hydrochloride is 17-(cyclobutylmethyl)-4,5α-epoxymorphinan-3,6α,14-triol hydrochloride.

Nalbuphine hydrochloride molecular weight is 393.91 and is soluble in H 2 O (35.5 mg/mL at 25ºC) and ethanol (0.8%); insoluble in CHCl 3 and ether. Nalbuphine hydrochloride has pKa values of 8.71 and 9.96. The molecular formula is C 21 H 27 NO 4 ● HCl.

The structural formula is: Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic solution of nalbuphine hydrochloride in water for injection. This product may be administered by subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous injection. Each milliliter (mL) contains nalbuphine hydrochloride 10 mg; sodium citrate, dihydrate 0.47 mg and citric acid, anhydrous 0.63 mg added as buffers and may contain sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid for pH adjustment; pH 3.7 (3.0 to 4.5).

Contains sodium chloride for tonicity adjustment. Single-dose products contain no bacteriostat or antimicrobial agent and unused portions must be discarded. structural formula nalbuphine hydrochloride

💬 Information for Patients ~1 min read ▾

Information for Patients Patients should be advised of the following information: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Inform patients that the use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, even when ‎taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to ‎overdose and death [see WARNINGS ].‎ Instruct patients not to share Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection with others and to take steps to protect ‎Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection from theft or misuse.‎ Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening ‎respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting ‎‎Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended ‎dosages.‎ Hyperalgesia and Allodynia Inform patients and caregivers not to increase opioid dosage without first consulting a clinician.

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they ‎experience symptoms of hyperalgesia, including worsening pain, increased ‎sensitivity to pain, or new pain [see WARNINGS , ADVERSE REACTIONS ].‎ Serotonin Syndrome Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop after discharge from the hospital‎.

Instruct patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ]. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Interaction Inform patients to avoid taking Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection [see PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ].

Constipation Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention [see ADVERSE REACTIONS , CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].

⚠️ Precautions ~2 min read ▾

PRECAUTIONS General Impaired Renal or Hepatic Function Because nalbuphine is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys, Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection should be used with caution in patients with renal or liver dysfunction and administered in reduced amounts. Myocardial Infarction As with all potent analgesics, Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection should be used with caution in patients with myocardial infarction who have nausea or vomiting. Cardiovascular System During evaluation of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection in anesthesia, a higher incidence of bradycardia has been reported in patients who did not receive atropine pre-operatively.

Laboratory Tests Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection may interfere with enzymatic methods for the detection of opioids depending on the specificity/sensitivity of the test. Consult the test manufacturer for specific details. Information for Patients Patients should be advised of the following information: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Inform patients that the use of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, even when ‎taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to ‎overdose and death [see WARNINGS ].‎ Instruct patients not to share Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection with others and to take steps to protect ‎Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection from theft or misuse.‎ Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening ‎respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting ‎‎Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended ‎dosages.‎ Hyperalgesia and Allodynia Inform patients and caregivers not to increase opioid dosage without first consulting a clinician.

Advise patients to inform their healthcare provider if they ‎experience symptoms of hyperalgesia, including worsening pain, increased ‎sensitivity to pain, or new pain [see WARNINGS , ADVERSE REACTIONS ].‎ Serotonin Syndrome Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop after discharge from the hospital‎.

Instruct patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ]. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Interaction Inform patients to avoid taking Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection [see PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions ].

Constipation Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention [see ADVERSE REACTIONS , CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ]. Drug Interactions Benzodiazepines and other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Although Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection possesses opioid antagonist activity, there is evidence that in nondependent patients it will not antagonize an opioid analgesic administered just before, concurrently, or just after an injection of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection.

Therefore, due to additive pharmacologic effects, the concomitant use of other opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants such as alcohol, non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), and other opioids, can increase the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Monitor closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see WARNINGS ]. Serotonergic… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🧬 Pharmacokinetics 69 words ▾

Pharmacokinetics The onset of action of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection occurs within 2 to 3 minutes after intravenous administration, and in less than 15 minutes following subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. The plasma half-life of nalbuphine is 5 hours, and in clinical studies the duration of analgesic activity has been reported to range from 3 to 6 hours. The metabolic pathway for nalbuphine has not been defined but is likely hepatic.

🧬 Pharmacodynamics ~3 min read ▾

Pharmacodynamics Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is a potent analgesic. Its analgesic potency is essentially equivalent to that of morphine on a milligram basis up to a dosage of approximately 30 mg. The opioid antagonist activity of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection is one-fourth as potent as nalorphine and 10 times that of pentazocine.

Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection may produce the same degree of respiratory depression as equianalgesic doses of morphine. However, Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection exhibits a ceiling effect such that increases in dose greater than 30 mg do not produce further respiratory depression in the absence of other CNS active medications affecting respiration. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection by itself has potent opioid antagonist activity at doses equal to or lower than its analgesic dose.

When administered following or concurrent with mu agonist opioid analgesics (e.g., morphine, oxymorphone, fentanyl), nalbuphine hydrochloride may partially reverse or block opioid-induced respiratory depression from the mu agonist analgesic. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection may precipitate withdrawal in patients dependent on opioid drugs. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection should be used with caution in patients who have been receiving mu opioid analgesics on a regular basis.

Effects on the Central Nervous System Nalbuphine produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxide tension and electrical stimulation. However, there may be a ceiling effect for the respiratory depression caused by nalbuphine.

Although a mixed agonist/antagonist, the respiratory depressant effects of nalbuphine can be reversed by naloxone. Nalbuphine causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origins may produce similar findings).

Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to hypoxia in overdose situations. Effects on the Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle Nalbuphine causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased.

Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm, resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of sphincter of Oddi, transient elevations in serum amylase, and opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED). Effects on the Cardiovascular System During use of nalbuphine during anesthesia, a higher incidence of bradycardia has been reported in patients who did not receive atropine pre-operatively.

Opioids produce peripheral vasodilation, which may result in orthostatic hypotension or syncope. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension. Effects on the Endocrine System Opioids inhibit the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ].

They also stimulate prolactin, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagon. Use of opioids for an extended period of time may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date [see A… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

🔒 Drug Abuse and Dependence ~3 min read ▾

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE Abuse Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection contains nalbuphine, a substance which is subject to misuse and abuse, which can lead to the ‎development of substance use disorder, including addiction‎ [see WARNINGS ]. Misuse is the intentional use, for therapeutic purposes, of a drug by an ‎individual in a way other than prescribed by a healthcare provider or for ‎whom it was not prescribed.‎ Abuse is the intentional, non-therapeutic use of a drug, even once, for its ‎desirable psychological or physiological effects.‎ Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological ‎phenomena that may include a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties ‎in controlling drug use (e.g., continuing drug use despite harmful ‎consequences, giving a higher priority to drug use than other activities ‎and obligations), and possible tolerance or physical dependence.‎ Misuse and abuse of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection ‎increases risk of overdose, which ‎may lead to central nervous system and respiratory depression, ‎hypotension, seizures, and death.

The risk is increased with concurrent ‎abuse of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection ‎with alcohol and other CNS ‎depressants. Abuse of and addiction to opioids in some individuals may ‎not be accompanied by concurrent tolerance and symptoms of physical ‎dependence. In addition, abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of ‎addiction.‎ All patients treated with opioids require careful and frequent reevaluation ‎for signs of misuse, abuse, and addiction, because use of opioid analgesic ‎products carries the risk of addiction even under appropriate medical use. ‎Patients at high risk of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection ‎abuse include those with a history ‎of prolonged use of any opioid, including products containing nalbuphine, those with a history ‎of drug or alcohol abuse, or those who use Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection ‎in combination ‎with other abused drugs.‎ "Drug-seeking" behavior is very common in persons with substance use disorders.

Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing, or referral, repeated "loss" of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions, and reluctance to provide prior medical records or contact information for other treating healthcare provider(s). "Doctor shopping" (visiting multiple prescribers to obtain additional prescriptions) is common among people who abuse drugs and people with substance use disorder. Preoccupation with achieving adequate pain relief can be appropriate behavior in a patient with inadequate pain control.

Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection, like other opioids, can be diverted for nonmedical use into illicit channels of distribution. Careful record-keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests, as required by state and federal law, is strongly advised. Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic reevaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.

Risks Specific to Abuse of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection Abuse of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection poses a risk of overdose and death. The risk is increased with concurrent abuse of Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection with alcohol and/or other CNS depressants. Parenteral drug abuse is commonly associated with transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

Dependence Both tolerance and physical dependence opioid therapy can develop during use of opioid therapy. Tolerance is a physiological state characterized by a reduced response to a drug after ‎repeated administration (i.e., a higher dose of a drug is required to ‎produce the same effect that was once obtained at a lower dose). Physical dependence is a state that develops as a result of a physiological adaptation in response ‎to repeated drug use, manifested by… [Excerpted — this section continues on DailyMed.]

📄 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility 195 words ▾

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Carcinogenesis There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in long term animal studies were performed in rats (24 months) and mice (19 months) by oral administration at doses up to 200 mg/kg [12 times the maximum recommended human daily dose (MRHD)] and 200 mg/ per day (6 times the MRDH), respectively. Mutagenesis Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection induced an increased frequency of mutation in the mouse lymphoma assay. Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection did not have mutagenic activity in the Ames test with four bacterial strains, in the Chinese Hamster Ovary HGPRT assays or in the Sister Chromatid Exchange Assay.

Clastogenic activity was not observed in the mouse micronucleus test or the cytogenicity bone marrow assay in rats. Impairment of Fertility Female rats were treated with nalbuphine hydrochloride beginning 15 days prior to mating through Lactation Day 20 via subcutaneous doses of 14, 28, or 56 mg/kg/day (0.85, 1.7, or 3.4 times the MRHD of 160 mg/day based on body surface area, respectively). Male rats were treated via oral gavage with the same nalbuphine hydrochloride doses beginning 60 days prior to and throughout mating.

There were no adverse effects on either male or female fertility.

📄 Package Label / Principal Display Panel 181 words ▾

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/mL Ampule Label 1 mL NDC 0409-1463-69 Nalbuphine HCl Inj. 10 mg/mL Rx only For I.V., I.M., or S.C. Use Protect from light. Dist. by Hospira, Inc. Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA RL-7152 PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/mL Ampule Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/mL Ampule Tray Label 1 mL Single-dose 10 Ampuls Rx only NDC 0409-1463-49 Contains 10 of NDC 0409-1463-69 Nalbuphine Hydrochloride Injection 10 mg/mL For Intravenous, Intramuscular, or Subcutaneous Use Protect from light. Keep ampuls in tray until time of use. Each mL contains nalbuphine HCl 10 mg; sodium citrate, dihydrate 0.47 mg and citric acid, anhydrous 0.63 mg added as buffers.

Sodium chloride added to adjust tonicity. May contain NaOH and/or HCl for pH adjustment. Usual dosage: See insert.

Sterile, nonpyrogenic. Discard unused portion. Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.] novaplus ™ Distributed by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA Novaplus is a registered trademark of Vizient, Inc.

RL-7153 LOT ##-###-AA EXP DMMMYYYY PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 10 mg/mL Ampule Tray Label

Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling, mirrored from DailyMed / openFDA. Prefer the government’s original formatting? View this label on DailyMed ↗

Medicaid utilization & spend

📍 This exact package only: Medicaid data is reported per full 11-digit NDC — labeler, product and pack size — so every number here is for this package alone, not the drug overall. Other pack sizes report separately.
💊 Pharmacy benefit only: These are Medicaid outpatient pharmacy claims, billed by NDC. They exclude the medical benefit — clinic- or hospital-administered drugs billed under HCPCS J-codes — so drugs used mostly that way (e.g. Avastin, Lucentis, Keytruda) can look low or missing here. That’s expected, not an error.
📅 Q1 2025 – Q1 2026 · 5 quarters of data
ⓘ The newest quarter is usually incomplete when first published; states restate recent quarters in later CMS releases, so the latest figures typically revise upward. State coverage-policy changes can also shift quarter-to-quarter totals.
Prescriptions last 4 qtrs
779
Units reimbursed last 4 qtrs
1.7K
Gross reimbursed last 4 qtrs
$21.9K
Avg / prescription
$28.06
Avg / unit
$12.7151
Latest quarter Q1 2026
216Rx
Medicaid pays / mL
$12.7151
gross reimbursed
vs
NADAC / mL
$4.3216
acquisition cost
=
Spread
+$8.3935
+194% vs cost
What Medicaid paid per mL (before rebates; includes the pharmacy’s dispensing fee) compared with NADAC — the average price pharmacies pay to buy the drug. A positive spread means Medicaid reimbursed more than the purchase price, before manufacturer rebates.
Fee-for-service vs managed care ⓘ
14% FFS 86% MCO
Fee-for-service · 108 Rx Managed care · 671 Rx
State Medicaid map
Alaska: no data reported AK Maine: no data reported ME Washington: no data reported WA Idaho: no data reported ID Montana: no data reported MT North Dakota: no data reported ND Minnesota: no data reported MN Wisconsin: no data reported WI Michigan: 257 units · 2.6 per 100k residents MI New York: no data reported NY Vermont: no data reported VT New Hampshire: no data reported NH Oregon: no data reported OR Nevada: no data reported NV Wyoming: no data reported WY South Dakota: no data reported SD Iowa: 106 units · 3.3 per 100k residents IA Illinois: no data reported IL Indiana: no data reported IN Ohio: 120 units · 1.0 per 100k residents OH Pennsylvania: no data reported PA New Jersey: no data reported NJ Massachusetts: no data reported MA California: no data reported CA Utah: no data reported UT Colorado: no data reported CO Nebraska: 67 units · 3.4 per 100k residents NE Missouri: 16 units · 0.3 per 100k residents MO Kentucky: no data reported KY West Virginia: no data reported WV Virginia: no data reported VA Maryland: no data reported MD Connecticut: no data reported CT Rhode Island: no data reported RI Arizona: no data reported AZ New Mexico: no data reported NM Kansas: no data reported KS Arkansas: no data reported AR Tennessee: no data reported TN North Carolina: no data reported NC South Carolina: no data reported SC Delaware: no data reported DE Oklahoma: no data reported OK Louisiana: no data reported LA Mississippi: no data reported MS Alabama: 124 units · 2.4 per 100k residents AL Georgia: 39 units · 0.4 per 100k residents GA D.C.: no data reported DC Hawaii: no data reported HI Texas: 975 units · 3.2 per 100k residents TX Florida: 15 units · 0.1 per 100k residents FL
Units reimbursed · per 100k residents
0.13.4
gray = no data reported ⓘ
Colors are per 100,000 residents, so big states don’t automatically dominate. Tap or hover a state for its actual totals.
Tap or hover a state
…for its Medicaid breakdown
🏆 Top states by units · per 100k residents
1 Nebraska 3.4 /100k
2 Iowa 3.3 /100k
3 Texas 3.2 /100k
4 Michigan 2.6 /100k
5 Alabama 2.4 /100k
6 Ohio 1.0 /100k
7 Georgia 0.4 /100k
8 Missouri 0.3 /100k
National units — by quarter
💵 About the dollar figures: “reimbursed” is what Medicaid paid pharmacies before confidential manufacturer rebates, so the program’s real net cost is lower than these numbers. Fee-for-service and managed-care claims are combined unless split above. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data; per-100k rates use 2023 Census population estimates.

Medicaid utilization by pack size

Medicaid (SDUD) totals over the four most recent reported quarters for every package size of this drug — handy when a specific package (e.g. a starter/titration pack) carries little or no Medicaid volume on its own.
Drug total (last 4 qtrs): 958 Rx · 1,871 units · $22,168 gross reimbursed
Tap a pack size to open its page. Source: CMS State Drug Utilization Data, last 4 quarters.
For educational and professional reference only — not medical advice. Pricing reflects published NADAC and CMS ASP (free public data) and may differ from your acquisition cost; always verify before billing or dispensing.