Fortral

How does it work?

Pentazocine belongs to a group of medicines called opioids. Opioids mimic the effects of naturally occurring pain reducing chemicals (endorphins). They combine with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

What is it used for?

Moderate to severe pain

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Breathing problems

Cholecystitis - inflammation of the gall bladder.

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Epilepsy

High blood pressure

Hypothyroidism

Inflammation of pancreas

Inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease

Insufficient production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency)

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

People currently taking monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants

The period immediately following a heart attack (acute phase - myocardial infarction)

Not to be used in

Alcoholism

Head injury

Heart failure

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Sudden asthma attack

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Abdominal pain

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Dry mouth

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Changes in mood

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Confusion

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Sweating

Nightmares

Addiction to the medicine (dependence)

Skin rashes

Fits (convulsions)

Visual disturbances

Low blood pressure (hypotension)

False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)

A state of well-being, optimism and cheerfulness (euphoria)

Pins and needles (paraesthesia)

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Fainting

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Disorientation

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Constipation

Drowsiness

Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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