Which drug is not classified as an opioid analgesic?

Which drug is not classified as an opioid analgesic?

• A. Nefopam
• B. Morphine
• C. Tramadol
• D. Codeine

Answer: (A)

Nefopam is not an opioid analgesic. Opioids relieve pain primarily by activating mu receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Morphine is a classic strong mu agonist. Tramadol also provides analgesia through a weak opioid receptor activity in addition to other effects, so it’s typically grouped with opioid analgesics. Codeine is an opioid prodrug that is metabolized to morphine to produce its pain-relieving effects. In contrast, nefopam works through a non-opioid mechanism—primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of monoamines such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to modulate pain pathways—without engaging opioid receptors. Hence, nefopam is not classified as an opioid analgesic.

Nefopam is not an opioid analgesic. Opioids relieve pain primarily by activating mu receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Morphine is a classic strong mu agonist. Tramadol also provides analgesia through a weak opioid receptor activity in addition to other effects, so it’s typically grouped with opioid analgesics. Codeine is an opioid prodrug that is metabolized to morphine to produce its pain-relieving effects. In contrast, nefopam works through a non-opioid mechanism—primarily by inhibiting the reuptake of monoamines such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to modulate pain pathways—without engaging opioid receptors. Hence, nefopam is not classified as an opioid analgesic.