Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PENTAZOCINE/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

(pen-TAZZ-oh-seen/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Talacen

Uses

This combination medication is used to treat pain (mild to moderate type). The acetaminophen in this product will also help reduce fever.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth usually every 4 hours as needed for pain; or take as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Taking more than 6 doses per day is not recommended. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section). When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. If you have recently taken narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine, methadone, morphine) for an extended period of time, this medication may cause withdrawal-like symptoms (e.g., sweating, chills, tremors). For details, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, headache, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, depression, hallucinations), unusual weakness, vision problems, sweating or flushing. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: ringing in the ears, lightheadedness, unusually fast heartbeat, trouble breathing (e.g., slow or irregular breathing), trouble urinating, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusual weight loss. If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney problems, seizures/head injury or brain lesions, recent heart attacks, lung problems (e.g., asthma, COPD), drug abuse, any allergies (e.g., sulfites). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This product contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: methadone. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, topiramate), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many nonprescription products and in some combination prescription medications. Read the labels carefully before taking other pain relievers, fever reducers or cold products to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain if your other prescription or nonprescription products contain acetaminophen. (Also see adult maximum daily dose information in Side Effects section). Also check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients (such as certain antihistamines or medicines for sleep). Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue, severe slow/shallow breathing and severe drowsiness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.