Drug interactions
Pentazocine + Selegiline transdermal
Severity: Major
Pentazocine and Selegiline transdermal: 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
Selegiline given transdermally at antidepressant doses inhibits MAO and opioids have been linked with serious reactions in patients on MAO inhibitors, including serotonin syndrome, hypotension and hyperpyrexia. The labeling advises against concomitant use with opioids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Pentazocine and Selegiline transdermal 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
MAO inhibition may potentiate serotonergic and CNS effects of the opioid; the exact mechanism for pentazocine is not established.
What to do
Avoid the combination; use a non-opioid analgesic. If an opioid is essential, monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure changes and hyperthermia.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Pentazocine and Selegiline transdermal, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Selegiline transdermal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Pentazocine and Selegiline transdermal 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. Selegiline given transdermally at antidepressant doses inhibits MAO and opioids have been linked with serious reactions in patients on MAO inhibitors, including serotonin syndrome, hypotension and hyperpyrexia. The labeling advises against concomitant use with opioids.
How serious is the interaction between Pentazocine and Selegiline transdermal?
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; use a non-opioid analgesic. If an opioid is essential, monitor for serotonin toxicity, blood pressure changes and hyperthermia.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
