Drug interactions
Oxycodone + Pentazocine
Severity: Major
Oxycodone 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 can add to opioid sedation, but as a mixed agonist-antagonist it may precipitate withdrawal in patients dependent on oxycodone. It may also reduce analgesia from the full agonist.
What this interaction means in plain words
Oxycodone 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.
Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal; Pentazocine belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Partial mu-receptor antagonism and kappa agonism by pentazocine competing with oxycodone.
What to do
Avoid pentazocine in patients on regular oxycodone. If a switch is required, monitor for withdrawal and respiratory depression.
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 Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
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 Oxycodone with Pentazocine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Oxycodone 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 can add to opioid sedation, but as a mixed agonist-antagonist it may precipitate withdrawal in patients dependent on oxycodone. It may also reduce analgesia from the full agonist.
How serious is the interaction between Oxycodone 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 pentazocine in patients on regular oxycodone. If a switch is required, monitor for withdrawal and respiratory depression.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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