Drug Information for TALWIN INJECTION PENTAZOCINE LACTATE INJECTION, USP (Hospira, Inc.): DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Adults, Excluding Patients in Labor: The recommended single parenteral dose is 30 mg by intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intravenous route. This may be repeated every 3 to 4 hours. Doses in excess of 30 mg intravenously or 60 mg intramuscularly or subcutaneously are not recommended. Total daily dosage should not exceed 360 mg. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the analgesic effects of TALWIN than younger patients. Elderly patients generally should be started on low doses of TALWIN and observed closely.

The subcutaneous route of administration should be used only when necessary because of possible severe tissue damage at injection sites (see WARNINGS). When frequent injections are needed, the drug should be administered intramuscularly. In addition, constant rotation of injection sites (e.g., the upper outer quadrants of the buttocks, mid-lateral aspects of the thighs, and the deltoid areas) is essential.

Patients in Labor: A single, intramuscular 30 mg dose has been most commonly administered. An intravenous 20 mg dose has given adequate pain relief to some patients in labor when contractions become regular, and this dose may be given two or three times at two- to three-hour intervals, as needed.

Pediatric Patients Excluding Patients Less Than One Year Old: The recommended single parenteral dose as premedication for sedation is 0.5 mg/kg by intramuscular route.

CAUTION: TALWIN should not be mixed in the same syringe with soluble barbiturates because precipitation will occur.