ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses dezocine, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade name Dalgan®, dezocine is prescribed for moderate to severe acute or chronic pain. The injectable formulation contains sodium metabisulfite. Sulfites have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, among susceptible patients. Dezocine elicits its analgesic, CNS depressant, and respiratory depressant actions primarily by binding to the endorphin receptors in the CNS. However, the exact mechanism of action has not yet been fully determined. Dezocine pharmacotherapy has been commonly associated with nausea, sedation, and vomiting.
