Pentazocine

Dosage Forms Available

• Pentazocine is available for administration via the oral route (oral tablets), injectable solution (intramuscular, subcutaneous, or slow intravenous) and rectal suppositories.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Pentazocine is prescribed for adults and in some instances for children, based on the severity of pain and the patient's overall health condition.

Contraindications

• This medicine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Pentazocine. It is also contraindicated in patients with bronchial asthma, upper airway obstruction, paralytic ileus, and in those dependent on opioids.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Pentazocine may interact with other opioid analgesics (e.g., morphine, codeine), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., phenelzine, isocarboxazid), anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, scopolamine), and antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Pentazocine could cause severe side effects such as respiratory depression, hypotension, hallucinations, confusion or seizures. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

• If you forget to take a dose of Pentazocine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• If you experience dizziness, avoid sudden changes in position and get up slowly from a sitting or lying position.

• Drinking plenty of water can help manage constipation and dry mouth.

• Rest and avoid physically demanding activities if you feel drowsy or lethargic.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Pentazocine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. It is advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Pentazocine crosses the placenta and can cause respiratory depression in newborns, so it’s not recommended during pregnancy unless necessary. It is also excreted in breast milk and may sedate breastfed infants. Therefore, caution should be exercised when administering Pentazocine to nursing mothers. Consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution should be exercised while using Pentazocine in patients with head injury or increased intracranial pressure, respiratory disorders like asthma, COPD, liver or kidney impairment, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, convulsive disorders, and in elderly or debilitated patients.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Non-pharmaceutical pain management techniques such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises or yoga might be beneficial alongside the medication.

• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Pentazocine as it can increase the risk of drowsiness and other side effects.

• Pentazocine can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness.