Drug interactions
Hydrocodone + Pentazocine
Severity: Major
Hydrocodone and Pentazocine: major interaction.
Last updated
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
Pentazocine is a mixed agonist-antagonist that can reduce hydrocodone analgesia and precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. It also adds sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Hydrocodone 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.
Hydrocodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Pentazocine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Partial mu-receptor antagonism with kappa agonism competes with hydrocodone while adding CNS depression.
What to do
Avoid combining; use a single opioid strategy. If unavoidable, monitor for withdrawal, loss of analgesia and sedation.
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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Other interactions of Hydrocodone
- Alvimopan + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Bupropion-naltrexone + Hydrocodone Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Hydrocodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Hydrocodone Major
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 Hydrocodone with Pentazocine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Hydrocodone 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. Pentazocine is a mixed agonist-antagonist that can reduce hydrocodone analgesia and precipitate withdrawal in opioid-dependent patients. It also adds sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Hydrocodone 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 combining; use a single opioid strategy. If unavoidable, monitor for withdrawal, loss of analgesia and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Hydrocodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrocodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Bupropion-naltrexone, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Hydrocodone page.
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