Pentazocine And Naloxone

Conditions Treated

The combination of pentazocine and naloxone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Pentazocine is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and naloxone is in a class of medications called narcotic antagonists. Pentazocine works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Naloxone has been added to the tablets so that people who inject dissolved tablets will not experience the desired effects of pentazocine. It works by blocking the effects of pentazocine when the tablets are injected.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Pentazocine and naloxone 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 and naloxone 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].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

The combination of pentazocine and naloxone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 3-4 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 and naloxone 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.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

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

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking pentazocine and naloxone, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to pentazocine, naloxone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in pentazocine and naloxone 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. 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 and naloxone 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 and naloxone. 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 and naloxone. Alcohol can make the side effects of this medication worse.