Use of Nalbuphine for Treatment of Neuraxial Opioid-Induced Pruritus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Opioid-induced pruritus is prevalent after neuraxial administration of opioid. A number of preventive measures have been reported; however, only a few studies evaluated treatment strategies for established pruritus. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic profiles of nalbuphine make this drug ideal for the treatment of established pruritus.

Prophylactic Nalbuphine to Prevent Neuraxial Opioid-Induced Pruritus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Purpose: Evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic nalbuphine in preventing neuraxial opioid-induced pruritus.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Following the PRISMA statement, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and EMBASE were searched for eligible studies.