Pentazocine (patient information)

IMPORTANT WARNING

• Pentazocine tablets should be taken by mouth. Do not try to dissolve and inject the tablets. Injecting pentazocine may cause serious health problems or death. Naloxone is added to the tablets so that people who inject dissolved tablets will not experience the desired effects of pentazocine.

Why is this medication prescribed?

• Pentazocine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Pentazocine is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

How should this medicine be used?

• Pentazocine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 3 to 4 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take pentazocine exactly as directed.
• Pentazocine can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than prescribed by your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

• This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

• Before taking pentazocine,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pentazocine, naloxone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in pentazocine tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: other pain relievers; antidepressants [especially fluoxetine (Prozac)]; medications for cough, cold, or allergies; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of :* Your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease; a history of alcoholism or seizure disorders; lung or thyroid disease; heart disease; prostatic hypertrophy; or biliary or urinary problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking pentazocine, call your doctor.
• Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take pentazocine because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking pentazocine.
• You should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol during your treatment with pentazocine. Alcohol can make the side effects of this medication worse.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• This medication usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take pentazocine regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

• Pentazocine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Confusion
• Feeling very tired
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Mood changes
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Rash
• Difficulty urinating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately

• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Fainting
• Hallucinations

• Pentazocine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
• If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

• Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

• Keep all appointments with your doctor.
• Do not let anyone else take your medication. Pentazocine is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
• It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

• Talwin® NX¶
• Talacen® (as a combination product containing Acetaminophen, Pentazocine)¶