$Unique_ID{BRK03274} $Pretitle{} $Title{pentazocine} $Subject{Talwin Nx Winthrop Analgesic pentazocine naloxone narcotic analgesic central nervous system brain spinal cord moderate severe pain abuse} $Volume{} $Log{ Talwin Nx*0327401.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. pentazocine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Talwin Nx (Winthrop) TYPE OF DRUG Analgesic INGREDIENTS pentazocine and naloxone DOSAGE FORM Tablets (50 mg pentazocine and 0.5 mg naloxone) STORAGE Pentazocine tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. USES Pentazocine is a narcotic analgesic that acts directly on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to relieve moderate to severe pain. Naloxone is added to this compound to prevent abuse. It is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but it does block the action of pentazocine if the drug is injected into the body. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take pentazocine with food or with a full glass of milk or water. This medication works most effectively if you take it at the onset of pain, rather than waiting until the pain becomes intense. If you are taking this medication on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, false sense of well-being, flushing, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, or sweating. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to reduce mouth dryness. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about anxiety, difficulty in breathing, excitation, fatigue, painful or difficult urination, palpitations, rash, restlessness, sore throat and fever, tremors, or weakness. INTERACTIONS Pentazocine interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. Concurrent use of it with other central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness. 2. A monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor taken within 14 days of this drug can lead to unpredictable side effects. 3. The combination of cimetidine and this medication may cause confusion, disorientation, and shortness of breath. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to pentazocine or to other narcotic analgesics (such as codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and propoxyphene). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had acute abdominal conditions, asthma, brain disease, colitis, epilepsy, gallstones or gallbladder disease, head injuries, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, mental illness, emotional disorders, enlarged prostate gland, thyroid disease, or urethral stricture. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Because this product contains pentazocine, it has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution. Usually, it should not be taken on a regular schedule for longer than ten days, unless your doctor directs you to do so. Tolerance develops quickly; do not increase the dosage or stop taking the drug abruptly, unless you first consult your doctor. If you have been taking large amounts of this medication, or have been taking it for long periods, you may experience a withdrawal reaction (muscle aches, diarrhea, gooseflesh, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, shivering, trembling, stomach cramps, sleep disorders, irritability, weakness, excessive yawning, or sweating) when you stop taking it. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this medication during the early stages of pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans. However, pentazocine, used regularly in large doses during the later stages of pregnancy, may result in addiction of the fetus--leading to withdrawal symptoms (irritability, excessive crying, tremors, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, or excessive yawning) at birth. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication may pass into breast milk and cause excessive drowsiness in the nursing infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.