What Is Pentazocine?
Pentazocine is an opioid analgesic with the chemical formula C19H27NO. It is a white or light yellowish-white, odorless crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 285.424. Pentazocine is insoluble in water, but somewhat soluble in ethanol and soluble in acetic acid and chloroform. Its melting point ranges between 150°C and 158°C (302 – 316°F).
Uses of Pentazocine
Pentazocine is primarily used for pain relief, administered via injection. It’s indicated for managing pain associated with conditions such as arteritis obliterans, kidney and urinary tract stones, myocardial infarction, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Pentazocine is also commonly used as a postoperative analgesic.
As an opioid receptor agonist, pentazocine interacts with cell surface opioid receptors to exert its analgesic effects. However, its use can lead to side effects such as anaphylaxis, shock, respiratory depression, toxic epidermal necrolysis, neurogenic myopathy, agranulocytosis, and seizures. Additionally, prolonged use of pentazocine may result in dependence, necessitating careful monitoring to prevent addiction.