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Pentazocine/Naloxone
Brand
Name: Talwin NX
Most
Common Medical Uses
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.
How
to Take This Medication
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. Take each dose with a full glass
of water. Take naloxone and pentazocine with food or milk if it
upsets your stomach. Do not inject this medication. Naloxone and
pentazocine is intended for oral use only. Severe reactions, possibly
resulting in death, may occur if this medication is injected alone
or in combination with any other substance. 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. Naloxone and pentazocine can cause constipation.
Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen
this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can
also help to alleviate constipation.
Possible
Side Effects
If
you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
naloxone and pentazocine and seek emergency medical attention: 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. Naloxone and pentazocine
may be habit forming. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly.
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.
Precautions
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. Naloxone and pentazocine is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether naloxone and pentazocine
will harm an unborn baby. Naloxone and pentazocine may cause addiction
and withdrawal symptoms in an unborn baby. Do not take naloxone
and pentazocine without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant. It is not known whether naloxone and pentazocine passes
into breast milk. This medication may cause addiction and withdrawal
symptoms in a nursing infant. Do not take naloxone and pentazocine
without first talking to your doctor if you are breastfeeding a
baby.
Drug
Interactions
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.
Missed
Dose
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose
of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking
your next dose.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
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.
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