Drug interactions
Pentazocine + Secobarbital
Severity: Major
Pentazocine and Secobarbital: 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
Barbiturates combined with opioids produce additive CNS and respiratory depression, with risk of profound sedation, coma or death. Barbiturates may also induce opioid metabolism, making the net effect unpredictable.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentazocine and Secobarbital 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 belongs to Musculoskeletal; Secobarbital belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive CNS and respiratory depression, with barbiturate hepatic enzyme induction.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible; if required, use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate and level of consciousness closely. Counsel against alcohol.
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 Pentazocine
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Pentazocine Contraindicated
- Pentazocine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Pentazocine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Pentazocine Major
- Alprazolam + Pentazocine Major
Other interactions of Secobarbital
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Doravirine + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elbasvir / grazoprevir + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Isavuconazonium + Secobarbital Contraindicated
- Lonafarnib + Secobarbital Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Pentazocine with Secobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentazocine and Secobarbital 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. Barbiturates combined with opioids produce additive CNS and respiratory depression, with risk of profound sedation, coma or death. Barbiturates may also induce opioid metabolism, making the net effect unpredictable.
How serious is the interaction between Pentazocine and Secobarbital?
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 where possible; if required, use reduced doses and monitor respiratory rate and level of consciousness closely. Counsel against 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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