IMPORTANT NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING THIS DRUG.

PENTAZOCINE & w/NALOXONE - ORAL (pen-TAZZ-oh-seen & WITH/nal-OX-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Talwin NX

WARNING:
Take pentazocine w/naloxone only by mouth. Severe, possibly fatal reactions (e.g., blood clot of the lungs, body sores) can occur if injected or used with other habit-forming substances.

USES:
This medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
To prevent upset stomach, take this with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Take this medication only by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor’s approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well. Consult your doctor if this medication is not relieving the pain sufficiently.

SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause constipation, lightheadedness, disturbed dreams, vision changes, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea or flushing. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop an irregular heartbeat, facial swelling, fainting, anxiety, hallucinations or tremors. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney, liver or lung disease; asthma, severe diarrhea, colitis, seizures, substance abuse history and of any allergies you may have. This medication is safe when used orally (by mouth). Severe, possibly fatal reactions may occur if this oral medication is misused by injecting it. Use caution performing activities requiring alertness (such as driving) if this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy. Alcoholic beverages can add to the dizziness/drowsiness effects of this medication and increase stomach irritation. Ask your doctor for advice about the safe use of alcohol. Before having surgery, especially gall bladder surgery, tell the doctor that you take pentazocine. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of other narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), cimetidine, sibutramine and of any other medications that may make you drowsy such as sedatives, tranquilizers, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), drugs used for depression and of alcohol use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

NOTES:
To prevent constipation, increase your intake of fiber, drink plenty of water and exercise. Stool softeners may be helpful. Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.