Pentazocine - Drug Information

Generic Name : Pentazocine
Pronunciation : pen-TAZ-oh-seen

ICD Code : Y45.0 | Therapeutic Classification : Analgesics

Trade Name(s) :

India - Fortwin, Verpen, Forstar Inj, Riddof, Zocin, Penzyl, Pentazocine, Pentawin, Tozine, Susevin, Cadiwin, Pantazocine Lactate, Laptol, Forstar Inj, Riddof, Pentawin, Pentalab, Pentazocine (Bio), Fortagesic, Zocin, Fortwin, Fortstar, Riddof, Fortwin Inj, Pzocin, Wintal, Fortwin (30mg), Pentazen, Expergesic, Foracet


International - Talwin.

Why is Pentazocine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication relieves moderate to severe pain. It is an opioid (narcotic) analgesic. It works in the brain and nervous system to decrease pain.

When should Pentazocine not to be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with head injury, increased blood pressure or pulmonary hypertension, patients dependent on opioids, heart failure, respiratory depression, heart attack and raised intracranial pressure. It should also not be used for a long time or in increased amounts at term during pregnancy.

What is the dosage of Pentazocine?

Adult: 50-100 mg every 3 to 4 hrs; max 600 mg daily.
Child: 6 to12 yr: As hydrochloride: 25 mg every 3 to 4 hr.

How should Pentazocine be taken?

It comes as a solution for injection, to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein or large muscle.

What are the warnings and precautions for Pentazocine?

* It may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or handling of machines while taking this drug.
* Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness while using this medication.
*It may cause allergic reaction if it contains sulfides.
*Inform your doctor about previous dental treatment.
*Caution needed for elderly people.

What are the side effects of Pentazocine?

Heart- Circulatory depression, high blood pressure, shock, fast heart rate.
Central Nervous System- Confusion, depression, disorientation, disturbed dreams, dizziness, excitement, faintness, hallucinations, headache, sleeplessness, irritability, light-headedness, muscle tremor, tingling, sedation, temporary loss of consciousness, tremor, weakness.
Skin- Inflammation, including itching, excessive sweating, flushed skin.
Eye and ENT- Double vision, constriction of the pupil, involuntary eye movement, perception of sound, visual blurring, and focusing difficultly.
Gastrointestinal- Constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, taste alteration, vomiting.
Blood- High concentration of eosinophils decrease in the number of granulocytes.
Skin- Subcutaneous depression, nodules, severe stiffness, soft tissue induration, sting on injection, and ulceration at injection sites.
Respiratory- Difficulty in breath, respiratory depression, transient sleep disorder in newborns whose mothers received parenteral pentazocine during labor.
Miscellaneous- Allergic reactions, alterations in rate or strength of uterine contractions during labor, chills, urinary retention, unusual weakness.

What are the other precautions for Pentazocine?

*Change the injection sites, avoid abrupt withdrawal.

What are the storage conditions for Pentazocine?

Store Pentazocine at room temperature, 15 and 30 degrees C. Store it in an airtight container.

Schedule H

Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.