Pentazocine Injection 30 mg/mL Solution for injection (Pentazocine) — Uses, Dosage & NAFDAC

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Pentazocine is a strong painkiller that works by acting on special pain receptors in your brain and spinal cord to block pain signals, giving you relief from moderate to severe pain.

What is it used for?

Severe body painpain after surgerypain during labour and deliverypain from injuries or fracturessevere headachepain from kidney stones

Browse by condition

Headache & Migraine Pain Relief Moderate & Strong Pain

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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How to take this drug

For tablets, the usual adult dose is 50 mg every 3 to 4 hours as needed for pain, up to a maximum of 600 mg per day. Take with food to reduce stomach upset. For injections, this is usually given by a nurse or doctor in a hospital — the usual dose is 30 mg injected into a muscle or vein every 3 to 4 hours. Do not use more than your doctor prescribed.

What if I Miss a Dose?

Since pentazocine is usually taken only when you have pain, you may not be on a regular schedule. If your doctor told you to take it regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one — never double up.

What to watch out for

Pentazocine is commonly abused in Nigeria — never share this drug with anyone, and only use it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Only buy from licensed pharmacies with NAFDAC-registered brands like Alpent, Amazocine, Banazine, or Centaz — avoid buying from roadside sellers or unregistered sources. This drug can make you very drowsy, so do not drive, operate machines, or do okada riding after taking it.

Common Side Effects

Feeling sleepy or dizzy
nausea or vomiting
sweating
dry mouth

Serious Side Effects

Difficulty breathing or very slow breathing — go to the hospital immediately. Confusion
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
or seizures — stop the drug and seek emergency care. Signs of addiction such as craving the drug or needing higher doses to feel the same effect.

Drug Interactions

Do not drink alcohol while using pentazocine — it can dangerously increase drowsiness and slow your breathing. Do not combine with other strong painkillers like tramadol or morphine as this can cause life-threatening breathing problems. Avoid using with sedatives or sleeping pills as the combined effect can be very dangerous.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Pentazocine is not safe during pregnancy, especially close to delivery, as it can cause breathing problems in your newborn and withdrawal symptoms — always consult your doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to pentazocine
people with a history of drug addiction or abuse
people with severe breathing problems or asthma
people with head injuries or increased pressure in the brain
children under 12 years
and people currently taking or recently stopped taking MAO inhibitor medicines.

How to Store

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigeria's hot weather can damage this drug, so keep it in a cool, dry place. Keep well out of the reach of children and lock it away if possible, as this is a very strong drug that can be dangerous if misused.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.

Pentazocine Injection 30 mg/mL