What Is Talwin Pentazocine?

Talwin contains pentazocine and is available in two formulations, oral and injection. Pentazocine is a powerful pain medication, similar to morphine, heroin and codeine, and is classified as a controlled prescription medication. Oral pentazocine is Talwin Nx, which has naloxone hydrochloride added to reduce potential by counteracting the effects if the medication is crushed and injected. Injectable formulations of Talwin contain pentazocine only and are administered by an anesthesiologist for surgical procedures or by a physician for pain management. As with any pain medication, pentazocine has strong sedating effects which depress other body functions. Side effects and withdrawal symptoms during treatment with Talwin are monitored.

Significance

• Pentazocine hydrochloride is a powerful analgesic for pain relief, available in oral and injectable formulations. Alone, pentazocine has similar effects as codeine and morphine, which have high dependence and abuse potential. Talwin is a product that is manufactured by Hospira and Sanofi Aventis containing pentazocine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride. Naloxone hydrochloride is added to pentazocine in oral formulations (Talwin Nx) to potentially offset any misuse or abuse when pentazocine is administered intravenously.

Approved Use

• Pentazocine is approved for use in treating moderate to severe pain and as a sedative associated with surgery. It is not approved for use in pregnancy, as the drug can be transferred to the baby. Oral pentazocine has a duration of effect lasting 4 to 5 hours; when administered by injection or intravenously, effects can last 2 to 3 hours.

Function

• Pentazocine acts on the same pain receptors in the central nervous system as morphine and other opiates, resulting in blocking or reducing pain sensation. In its depression of the central nervous system, other functions can be impaired during use such as breathing, coordination, blood pressure and mental function. The medication is cleared through the liver and kidneys, so this drug is used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.

  Naloxone is added to tablet formulations to reduce the abuse potential. When taken orally, naloxone has no effect; however, when crushed and injected, naloxone negates the opioid effects of pentazocine and other narcotics.

Side Effects

• Pentazocine is a controlled medication because it has high abuse and addiction potential. Over time, patients may experience withdrawal symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, general side effects include hallucinations, disorientation, low blood pressure, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation and urinary problems because of the medication's effect on smooth muscles in the organs. Increased water and fiber intake are recommended during use. Persistent dizziness or headache should be reported to your doctor.

Benefits

• Pentazocine (Talwin Nx) has been shown to be beneficial in managing chronic pain. It is also used before, during or after surgery for short-term sedating effects.