Drug interactions
Brexanolone + Pentazocine
Severity: Major
Brexanolone 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
Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness, and opioids add to this central nervous system depression. The combination raises the risk of profound sedation and respiratory compromise during the infusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brexanolone 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.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression through GABA-A positive modulation by brexanolone and opioid receptor activity by pentazocine.
What to do
Avoid concomitant opioids if possible; if needed, continuously monitor pulse oximetry and sedation during the infusion and interrupt or reduce the dose if excessive sedation occurs.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Brexanolone with Pentazocine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brexanolone 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. Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness, and opioids add to this central nervous system depression. The combination raises the risk of profound sedation and respiratory compromise during the infusion.
How serious is the interaction between Brexanolone 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 concomitant opioids if possible; if needed, continuously monitor pulse oximetry and sedation during the infusion and interrupt or reduce the dose if excessive sedation occurs.
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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