Pentazocine (By injection)

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Treats moderate to severe pain. Is sometimes given before or after a surgery. May also be given with a general anesthesia before an operation. Belongs to a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics.

Drug classes

Analgesic, Anesthetic Adjunct (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Pentazocine injection is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It may also be used before surgery or with a general anesthetic (medicine that puts you to sleep). Pentazocine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.

When a narcotic medicine 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

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.

You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

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:

If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

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.

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 ever had an allergic reaction to pentazocine.

Warnings

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver or kidney disease. Tell your doctor if you have a history of asthma or other lung problems, seizures, drug dependence, or emotional problems. Your doctor will need to know if you have ever had a head injury or brain tumor. Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart problems, stomach ulcers, or if you are sensitive to sulfites.

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.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

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

Confusion, anxiety, unusual thoughts, or hallucinations (seeing things that are not there).

Redness, pain, swelling, blistering, or hardening of your skin where the shot was given.

Unusually slow heartbeat or breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Constipation or diarrhea.

Dizziness or sleepiness.

Headache, dry mouth, or blurry vision.

Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach.

Sweating more than usual.

Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

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, Talwin Lactate

There may be other brand names for this medicine.