Pentazocine/Naloxone (By mouth)
nal-OX-one hye-droe-KLOR-ide, pen-TAZ-oh-seen hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Relieves moderate to severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic analgesic (“pain medicine”).
Drug classes
Analgesic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Pentazocine and naloxone combination is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Pentazocine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It acts on the CNS to block the effects of narcotics, especially the “high” feeling that makes you want to use them. It will not produce any narcotic-like effects or cause mental or physical dependence.
When pentazocine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
You may take this medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
If a dose is missed:
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have received a MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Tell your doctor if you are also using an anticholinergic medicine (such as ipratropium, glycopyrrolate, or Atrovent®) or a phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®).
Avoid tobacco smoking while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to pentazocine or naloxone.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, low blood pressure, a recent heart attack, or a history of head injury, seizures, or recent surgery. Tell your doctor if you have adrenal problems, asthma or other lung problems (such as COPD, respiratory depression), gallbladder problems, kyphoscoliosis (severe curvature of the spine with breathing problems), mental illness, pancreas problems, porphyria (an enzyme problem), prostate problems, bowel blockage, stomach problems, trouble urinating, or an underactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have been addicted to alcohol or drugs.
This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before you have surgery or medical tests.
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Change positions slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
Extreme weakness, shallow breathing, sweating, or cold or clammy skin.
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Seizures or tremors.
Severe confusion or hallucinations (seeing things that are not there).
Severe stomach pain.
Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Blurred vision.
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or upset stomach.
Mild rash or itching skin.
Trouble sleeping.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
Weakness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Talwin NX
There may be other brand names for this medicine.