§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what way the new drug acupan nefopam hydrochloride differs from the old analgesics in the aspirin and paracetamol groups; if its cost to the National Health Service is greater than the usual analgesics; for which symptoms acupan is indicated instead of other analgesics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleAcupan is different in chemical structure from paracetamol and aspirin and acts by different mechanisms.
The spectrum of effectiveness also differs in that it is more potent and so will relieve pains of a greater severity, such as post-operative, acute traumatic and cancer pains. It does not appear to have the anti-rheumatic action of aspirin. Unlike aspirin and paracetamol it is available in both injection and tablet forms. Because of these differences cost comparisons are inappropriate.