Drug interactions
Pentazocine + Pholcodine
Severity: Moderate
Pentazocine and Pholcodine: moderate 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
Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant with sedative properties. Combined with pentazocine it may add to drowsiness and respiratory depression, particularly at higher doses or in vulnerable patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentazocine and Pholcodine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive opioid-mediated central nervous system and respiratory depression.
What to do
Avoid unnecessary co-use and monitor for sedation and slowed breathing. Warn patients against driving and alcohol.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Pentazocine with Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Pentazocine and Pholcodine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant with sedative properties. Combined with pentazocine it may add to drowsiness and respiratory depression, particularly at higher doses or in vulnerable patients.
How serious is the interaction between Pentazocine and Pholcodine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unnecessary co-use and monitor for sedation and slowed breathing. Warn patients against driving and alcohol.
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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