naloxone and pentazocine (oral)

Pronunciation:	nah LOX uhn pen TAZ oh seen
Brand:	Talwin NX

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

Do not inject this medication. Naloxone and pentazocine is intended for oral use only. A severe reaction--possibly death--may occur if this medication is injected alone or in combination with any other substance.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Naloxone and pentazocine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking, avoid these activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking naloxone and pentazocine. Alcohol may dangerously increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by 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 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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Do not share this medication with anyone else.

Store naloxone and pentazocine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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?

Seek emergency medical attention.

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?

Avoid alcohol while taking naloxone and pentazocine. Alcohol may dangerously increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by naloxone and pentazocine.

What are the possible side effects of naloxone and pentazocine?

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.

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.

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