Definition

Pentazocine overdose is poisoning from an overdose of pentazocine.

Alternative Names

Talwin; Alupent; Fortal; Pentafen; Fortulgesic; Litcon

Poisonous Ingredient

Pentazocine

Where Found

  • Talwin Nx
  • Algopent
  • Fortral
  • Pentafen
  • Fortulgesic
  • Litcon

This list is not all-inclusive.

Symptoms

  • Respiratory
    • Breathing difficulty (may be shallow, slow, or labored, or may stop, which can be fatal in 2 - 4 minutes)
  • Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
    • Pinpoint pupils
  • Skin
  • Gastrointestinal
    • Vomiting
    • Abdominal cramps
    • Constipation
    • Dry mouth
  • Heart and blood vessels
    • Weak or fast pulse
    • Low blood pressure or high blood pressure
    • Palpitations
  • Nervous system

Home Treatment

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

  • The patient's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength if known)
  • The time it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed
  • If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control Centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following may be performed or given:

  • Gastric lavage 
  • Activated charcoal
  • Laxative
  • Counteracting medication or narcotic antagonist (multiple doses may be needed)
  • Intravenous fluids
  • Monitoring breathing
  • Treating other symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

If an antidote can be given, recovery from an acute overdose often occurs within 1 - 2 days.

Review Date:5/10/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.