Pentazocine

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Talwin

Pharmacological Mechanism

Mixed κ-opioid agonist + weak μ-opioid antagonist — mid-strength analgesic with ceiling effect on respiratory depression. Dysphoric / hallucinogenic at higher doses (κ-mediated). Schedule IV; less commonly used now.

Half-Life (t½)

PO: 3h, IV: 3h, IM: 3h

Dosing Guidelines

• PO: Typical 50mg (Range: 50 - 100 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• nervous
• respiratory