Analgesic efficacy and side effects
| Rapid regimen(2×10 mg) | Cautious regimen(4×5 mg) | Difference | p Value for difference (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean total dose of nalbuphine | 14.8 mg | 10.7 mg | 4.1 mg | <0.001 |
| Mean change in pain score | 4.29 | 3.49 | 0.79 | 0.028 (0.09 to 1.5) |
| Patients with a pain score >3 immediately before A&E admission (%) | 44 (53) | 48 (55) | 2% | 0.761 (−17.0 to 12.8%) |
| Patients receiving hospital analgesia within 30 minutes of arrival (%) | 8 (15) | 6 (11) | 4% | 0.583 (−10.0 to 17.1%) |
| Change in pulse rate | −5.20 | −3.00 | 2.20 | 0.284 (−6.26 to 1.85) |
| Change in respiratory rate | −2.29 | −1.63 | 0.66 | 0.579 |
| Change in systolic BP | −1.75 | −6.28 | 4.53 | 0.108 |
| Change in GCS | −0.14 | −0.23 | 0.09 | 0.348 |
| Any side effect (%) | 51 (62) | 36 (41) | 21% | 0.004 (6.0 to 35.0%) |
| Drowsiness (%) | 35 (42) | 19 (21) | 21% | 0.003 (7.0 to 34.1%) |
| Dizziness (%) | 21 (25) | 15 (17) | 8% | 0.143 (−3.8 to 20.8%) |
| Nausea or vomiting (%) | 17 (21) | 14 (16) | 5% | 0.338 (−6.9 to 16.6%) |