Nefopam does not influence onset and recovery profiles of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled study

Abstract

Nefopam, a non-narcotic, nonsteroidal, centrally acting analgesic, is commonly used for the treatment of nociceptive pain and prevention of postoperative shivering and hiccups [1,2]. Most studies on nefopam have focused on its analgesic potency compared to that of opioids or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Nefopam was reported to be an effective alternative to opioids without significant changes in the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale score, ventilatory frequency, and oxygen saturation [3]. Therefore, we can frequently encounter patients with many kinds of analgesic taken via infusions or single bolus injections, in the clinical setting requiring the control of preoperative pain such as disease-related pain and drug injection pain.In general, neuromuscular blockers (NMBs) may interact with several drugs, including anticonvulsants, steroids, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, antibiotics, and anti-arrhythmic drugs, resulting in potentiation of action or rapid recovery of blockade [4][5][6][7][8]. Hence, monitoring of neu-