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naloxone and pentazocine

Generic Name: naloxone and pentazocine (oral) (nah LOX uhn pen TAZ oh seen)
Brand Names: Talwin NX

What is naloxone and pentazocine?

Pentazocine is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics (pain relievers). It relieves pain.

The combination, naloxone and pentazocine, is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.

Naloxone is included in this product only to prevent the abuse of this medication by injection. If this medication is injected, the pentazocine will not have any effect. Furthermore, a severe reaction--possibly death--may occur if this medication is injected alone or in combination with any other substance.

Naloxone and pentazocine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about naloxone and pentazocine?

Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation, dizziness, or impaired thinking.

Never take more naloxone and pentazocine than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking naloxone and pentazocine?

Naloxone and pentazocine is habit forming. If you have an alcohol or drug addiction, this medication should only be used only under close medical supervision.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• asthma;

• urinary retention;

• an enlarged prostate;

• hypothyroidism;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• gallbladder disease;

• a head injury; or

• Addison"s disease.

You may not be able to take naloxone and pentazocine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I take naloxone and pentazocine?

Take naloxone and pentazocine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Never take more naloxone and pentazocine than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Do not stop taking naloxone and pentazocine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

Do not share this medication with anyone else.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you take naloxone and pentazocine as needed, missing a dose is not a problem. If you take naloxone and pentazocine on a regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then wait the full amount of time prescribed before taking your next dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a naloxone and pentazocine overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.

What should I avoid while taking naloxone and pentazocine?

Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation, dizziness, or impaired thinking.

Naloxone and pentazocine side effects

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• slow, weak breathing;

• seizures;

• cold, clammy skin;

• hallucinations, confusion, or disorientation;

• severe weakness or dizziness; or

• unconsciousness.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take naloxone and pentazocine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;

• constipation;

• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

• muscle twitches;

• sweating;

• itching;

• decreased urination; or

• blurred vision.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect naloxone and pentazocine?

Naloxone and pentazocine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with naloxone and pentazocine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about naloxone and pentazocine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Naloxone and pentazocine is available with a prescription under the brand name Talwin NX. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Pentazocine/naloxone strengths are as follows

• Talwin NX 50 mg/0.5 mg--oblong, yellow, scored tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.