Characteristics of nalbuphine and its application in pediatric anesthesia

Nalbuphine hydrochloride is an agonist-antagonist opioid that has analgesic and sedative effects, which can be used in perioperative period of pediatric patient. Nalbuphine hydrochloride reverses the adverse effects of μ receptor agonist (e.g. nausea, vomiting, itching) without influencing its analgesic effects. Due to the ceiling effect, nalbuphine does not cause respiratory depression. Nalbuphine has a higher safety factor, which makes it one of the most commonly used analgesic in paediatric patients. The application of nalbuphine is more popular in the country, thus, the indications of using nalbuphine in pediatric anesthesia should be clearly defined. The pharmacological properties of nalbuphine, clinical application of pediatric anesthesia were summarized in this review. Key words: Nalbuphine; Pediatric anesthesia; Analgesia; Sedation; Application