What is the most important information I should know about Talacen (Acetaminophen and pentazocine)?
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of
acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1
gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could
cause damage to your liver.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than
three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may
not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication
without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen is contained in many cold and
pain medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may
accidentally take too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using
to see if it contains acetaminophen.
This medication may be habit-forming. You may have withdrawal symptoms when
you stop using acetaminophen and pentazocine after using it over a long period of time. Do not
stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to
gradually reduce the dose.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of
acetaminophen and pentazocine.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain
medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to
sleepiness caused by acetaminophen and pentazocine.
Acetaminophen and pentazocine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking
or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Talacen (Acetaminophen and pentazocine)?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen or pentazocine.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, of if you
have:
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asthma or other breathing disorder;
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a history of brain tumor or head injury;
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a history of drug or alcohol addiction;
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heart disease or history of heart attack;
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an allergy to sulfites;
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kidney disease;
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liver disease; or
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epilepsy or other seizure disorder.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use
acetaminophen and pentazocine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during
treatment.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than
three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may
not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and
could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether acetaminophen and pentazocine passes into breast milk or if
it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has information about acetaminophen and pentazocine written for health
professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Acetaminophen and pentazocine is available with a prescription under the brand name
Talacen. Other brand or generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
