Drug interactions
Amobarbital + Pentazocine
Severity: Major
Amobarbital and Pentazocine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Barbiturates combined with opioids can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Barbiturates may also induce hepatic metabolism of some opioids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amobarbital and Pentazocine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System; Pentazocine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression from opioid receptor agonism and GABA-A potentiation by the barbiturate.
What to do
Avoid if possible; otherwise use minimum doses and monitor respiratory rate and level of consciousness closely. Ensure resuscitation capability is available.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Pentazocine
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Pentazocine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Pentazocine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Pentazocine Major
- Alprazolam + Pentazocine Major
Other interactions of Amobarbital
- Amobarbital + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Doravirine Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Elbasvir / grazoprevir Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isavuconazonium Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amobarbital with Pentazocine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amobarbital and Pentazocine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Barbiturates combined with opioids can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Barbiturates may also induce hepatic metabolism of some opioids.
How serious is the interaction between Amobarbital and Pentazocine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible; otherwise use minimum doses and monitor respiratory rate and level of consciousness closely. Ensure resuscitation capability is available.
What other medicines interact with Pentazocine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pentazocine with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Pentazocine page.
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