Health Library

Pentazocine/naloxone (By mouth)

Naloxone (nal-OX-one), Pentazocine (pen-TAZ-oh-seen)

Relieves moderate to severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.
• You may take Talwin® with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: 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.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Mixed unused tablets with used coffee grounds or kitty litter, then place it in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container before throwing into the trash. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (including isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within the past 14 days.
• Some medicines can affect how pentazocine/naloxone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Glycopyrrolate, ipratropium
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems (including benzodiazepine medicine, MAO inhibitor, phenothiazine medicine, SNRIs, SSRIs, TCAs)
• 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. Tell your doctor if you are also using buprenorphine, nalbuphine, or a muscle relaxer.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor 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, adrenal problems, lung or breathing problems (including COPD, apnea), gallbladder problems, spine problems, mental illness, pancreas problems, porphyria, thyroid problems, prostate problems, trouble urinating, or a history of head injury, seizures, or alcohol or drug abuse. Tell your doctor if you have had any type of surgery.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of overdose, which can lead to death
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)
  • Increased risk of seizures
  • Serotonin syndrome, when used with certain medicines
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.
• 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 could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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
• Anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
• Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow or uneven heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, seizures or tremors
• Severe confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Severe constipation, stomach pain

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

Last Updated: 9/6/2024