pentazocine lactate

pentazocine lactate

a synthetic narcotic used as an analgesic.

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pentazocine lactate

Talwin

Pharmacologic class: Opioid agonist-antagonist

Therapeutic class: Opioid analgesic, adjunct to anesthesia

Controlled substance schedule IV

Pregnancy risk category C

FDA Boxed Warning

• Talwin Nx is for oral use only. Severe, potentially lethal reactions may result from misuse by injection, alone or in combination with other substances.

Action

Unknown. Thought to interact with opioid receptor sites primarily in limbic system, thalamus, and spinal cord, blocking transmission of pain impulses.

Availability

Injection: 30 mg/ml (as lactate salt)

Tablets: 50 mg pentazocine and 0.5 mg naloxone (Talwin NX); 25 mg pentazocine and 650 mg acetaminophen (Talacen)

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Moderate to severe pain; preoperative or preanesthetic medication; adjunct to surgical anesthesia

Adults: 30 mg subcutaneously, I.M., or I.V. q 3 to 4 hours (not to exceed 60 mg/dose subcutaneously or I.M., or 30 mg/dose I.V.). Maximum daily dosage is 360 mg.

➣ Moderate to severe pain

Adults: Initially, one tablet (Talwin Nx) q 3 to 4 hours, increased to two tablets p.r.n., up to a maximum of 12 tablets daily

➣ Mild to moderate pain

Adults: One tablet (Talacen) P.O. q 4 hours; up to a maximum of six tablets daily

➣ Labor

Adults: 20 mg I.V. for two or three doses at 2- to 3-hour intervals, or 30 mg I.M. as a single dose

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug, acetaminophen, or naloxone (with oral form)

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• head trauma, increased intracranial pressure, respiratory conditions, adrenal insufficiency, seizure disorder, acute CNS manifestations, hepatic impairment, acute myocardial infarction, alcohol or narcotic use
• sulfite sensitivity (Talacen)
• history of drug abuse
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• children (safety not established).

Administration

• Administer each 5-mg I.V. dose by slow direct infusion over 1 minute, with patient lying supine.
• Use subcutaneous route only when necessary (may cause tissue damage).

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O. (Talwin NX)	15-30 min	1-3 hr	3 hr
P.O. (Talacen)	15-30 min	60-90 min	3 hr
I.V.	12-30 min	Unknown	3 hr
I.M., subcut.	15-20 min	15-60 min	3 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, euphoria, hallucinations, headache, sedation, dysphoria, insomnia, unusual dreams, weakness, depression, irritability, excitement, tremor, paresthesia

CV: hypertension, hypotension, syncope, tachycardia, circulatory depression, shock

EENT: blurred vision, diplopia, nystagmus, miosis (with high doses), tinnitus

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, ileus, cramps, abdominal distress, anorexia

GU: urinary retention, altered rate and strength of labor contractions

Hematologic: thrombocytopenia purpura (with Talacen)

Respiratory: dyspnea, transient apnea in neonates whose mothers received pentazocine during labor, respiratory depression

Skin: clammy skin, diaphoresis, rash, urticaria, nodules, cutaneous depression, skin and subcutaneous sclerosis, dermatitis, pruritus, flushing

Other: altered taste, chills, soft-tissue induration, stinging on injection, facial edema, physical or psychological drug dependence, drug tolerance, anaphylaxis

Interactions

Drug-drug. Barbiturates, first-generation (sedating) antihistamines, other sedating drugs: additive CNS depression

MAO inhibitors: unpredictable reactions

Opioids: decreased analgesic effects

Drug-diagnostic tests. Amylase, lipase: increased levels

Granulocytes, white blood cells: reduced counts

Drug-herbs. Chamomile, hops, kava, skullcap, valerian: increased CNS depression

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression

Patient monitoring

☞ Monitor vital signs. Watch closely for evidence of shock, dyspnea, and circulatory or respiratory depression.
• Monitor drug efficacy.
• In prolonged use, assess for signs and symptoms of drug dependence.

Patient teaching

☞ Tell patient receiving Talacen or Talwin NX that drug is for oral use only. Life-threatening reactions may result from misusing drug by injection.
• Inform patient that withdrawal symptoms may occur if he stops taking drug suddenly after prolonged use.
• Urge patient to avoid alcohol.
• Advise patient to consult prescriber before taking other prescription drugs or over-the-counter preparations.
• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects him.
• Advise patient to have periodic eye exams.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.