Pricing
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All price changes →Indications & Uses
Pentazo is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Pentazocine is an opioid (narcotic) analgesic that acts in the brain and nervous system to lessen pain. It provides pain relief mainly through an agonist effect at the kappa receptor, while weakly opposing the effects of opiates at the μ-receptor.
In terms of onset, its effect begins within 15 to 20 minutes when given intramuscularly or subcutaneously, and within 2 to 3 minutes when given intravenously. For distribution, it binds to plasma proteins to a moderate degree. Its metabolism takes place in the liver. As for elimination, it is cleared mainly through the kidneys, with a half-life of 2 to 3 hours.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Usual adult dose for anesthesia and moderate-to-severe pain: 30 mg by IV, IM, or subcutaneous injection, repeated every 3 to 4 hours as needed. Intravenous doses should not exceed 30 mg, and intramuscular or subcutaneous doses should not exceed 60 mg. The maximum total daily dose is 360 mg.
Usual adult dose for labor pain: the most commonly used regimen is 30 mg by intramuscular injection. Alternatively, an intravenous dose of 20 mg has provided adequate pain relief for some patients once labor contractions become regular; this may be repeated two or three times at intervals of two to three hours as needed.
Dose for children over 1 year of age: 0.5 mg/kg by intramuscular injection.
Side Effects
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness or light-headedness, vomiting, and a feeling of euphoria. Skin reactions, as well as effects on the breathing, heart and blood vessels, and digestive system, can also occur.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Pentazo should be given cautiously and in low doses to patients with respiratory depression. Laboratory testing has not shown that Pentazo causes or worsens kidney or liver impairment, but it should still be used cautiously in patients with these conditions. Pentazo has mild narcotic antagonist properties. Some patients who had previously been given narcotics, including methadone for ongoing treatment of narcotic dependence, have experienced withdrawal symptoms after receiving Pentazo. It should be used with caution in patients prone to seizures, as seizures have occurred in a small number of such patients in connection with Pentazo use. Using CNS depressants together with injectable Pentazo may increase the risk of additive CNS depression.
Contraindications
Pentazocine must not be given to patients known to be hypersensitive to it.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pentazocine falls under pregnancy category C. It should be used in pregnancy only when the need is clearly established. Whether pentazocine passes into breast milk is not known, as no data are available on this.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Manifestations
There hasn't been enough clinical experience with Pentazo overdosage to define the signs of this condition.
Treatment
Give oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors and other supportive measures as indicated. Assisted or controlled ventilation should also be considered. If respiratory depression occurs because of an overdose, or because the person is unusually sensitive to Pentazo, parenteral naloxone is a specific and effective antagonist.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Pentazocine away from light and below 25°C. Don't let it freeze. Keep it out of reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Pentazo 30 mg/ml
What is Pentazo 30 mg/ml Injection?
Pentazo 30 mg/ml Injection is a medicine that contains Pentazocine. It is made by General Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Opioid analgesics group of medicines.
What is Pentazo used for?
Pentazo is used for: Pain.
What are the side effects of Pentazo?
Common side effects include nausea, dizziness or light-headedness, vomiting, and a feeling of euphoria. Skin reactions, as well as effects on the breathing, heart and blood vessels, and digestive system, can also occur.
Can I take Pentazo during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pentazocine falls under pregnancy category C. It should be used in pregnancy only when the need is clearly established. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Pentazo?
Manifestations There hasn't been enough clinical experience with Pentazo overdosage to define the signs of this condition. Treatment Give oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors and other supportive measures as indicated. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Pentazo?
Store Pentazocine away from light and below 25°C. Don't let it freeze.
Can I take other medicines with Pentazo?
Some medicines can interact with Pentazocine, for example: Morphine Sulfate, Tapentadol Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Pentazo?
Pentazo is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.