Pentazocine - Oral

Pentazocine is a strong painkiller. It is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Take Pentazocine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal.

Pentazocine is available as a tablet or capsule.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• respiratory depression (slow or ineffective breathing)
• acute or severe asthma
• head injuries
• rise in pressure around your brain
• heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood) due to lung disease
• porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
• alcohol dependence

as Pentazocine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• mental health conditions e.g. anxiety disorders, depression
• history of fits or seizure
• sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
• inflammation of the pancreas
• bowel obstruction
• prostate enlargement
• Addison's disease (a rare disorder where the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of certain hormones)
• hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• heart disease e.g. heart attack
• phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
• history of drug abuse or alcoholism
• severe kidney disease
• severe liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Pentazocine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. bowel or lung function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of mental status, heart rate, effectiveness pain relief and signs and symptoms of substance abuse, misuse, or addiction may also be needed.

Pentazocine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, confusion, rashes, and itching.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• shallow, slow, or trouble in breathing
• fits or seizures
• interrupted breathing during sleep
• excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, restlessness, fast and irregular heartbeat
• very bad dizziness or passing out
• new or worsening pain
• very bad constipation, severe stomach pain

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Pentazocine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines for anxiety e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
• medicine for mood disorders e.g. trifluoperazine
• medicine to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline
• other strong painkillers e.g. morphine, naloxone

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pentazocine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Pentazocine.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.