Drug interactions
Flurazepam + Pentazocine
Severity: Major
Flurazepam 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
Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Flurazepam has long-acting active metabolites, so the effect may persist for days, particularly in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Flurazepam 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 and respiratory depression through opioid receptor activity and GABA-A potentiation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose alternatives; if used, limit doses and duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Take particular care in elderly patients and those with lung disease.
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 Flurazepam with Pentazocine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Flurazepam 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. Concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Flurazepam has long-acting active metabolites, so the effect may persist for days, particularly in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Flurazepam 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 the combination where possible and choose alternatives; if used, limit doses and duration and monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Take particular care in elderly patients and those with lung disease.
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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