$Unique_ID{BRK03011} $Pretitle{} $Title{acetaminophen and propoxyphene combination} $Subject{Darvocet-N 50 Lilly 100 Dolene AP-65 Lederle Genagesic Goldline Propacet Lemmon propoxyphene hydrochloride acetaminophen napsylate Wygesic Wyeth Analgesic combination acetaminophen pain narcotic analgesic central nervous system brain spinal cord} $Volume{} $Log{ Darvocet-N 50*0301101.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. acetaminophen and propoxyphene combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Darvocet-N 50 (Lilly) Darvocet-N 100 (Lilly) Dolene AP-65 (Lederle) Genagesic (Goldline) Propacet 100 (Lemmon) propoxyphene hydrochloride with acetaminophen (various manufacturers) propoxyphene napsylate with acetaminophen (various manufacturers) Wygesic (Wyeth) TYPE OF DRUG Analgesic combination INGREDIENTS acetaminophen and propoxyphene DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (325 mg acetaminophen with 50 mg propoxyphene napsylate; 650 mg acetaminophen with 100 mg propoxyphene napsylate; 650 mg acetaminophen with 6 mg propoxyphene hydrochloride) Capsules (650 mg acetaminophen with 65 mg propoxyphene hydrochloride) STORAGE Acetaminophen and propoxyphene combination tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed containers. USES This medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Propoxyphene is a narcotic analgesic that acts on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to relieve pain. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take this medication with food or milk. This medication works best if you take it at the onset of pain, rather than waiting until the pain becomes intense. If you are taking this acetaminophen and propoxyphene combination on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless you are nearing the time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. It is important that you do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, false sense of well-being, flushing, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, painful or difficult urination, or sweating. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the drug. If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). To reduce excessive mouth dryness, you may want to chew sugarless gum or you may want to suck on ice chips or hard candy. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about anxiety, difficulty in breathing, excitation, fatigue, palpitations, rash, restlessness, sore throat and fever, tremors, unusual bleeding or bruising, weakness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS This medication interacts with several other types of drugs: 1. Concurrent use of acetaminophen and propoxyphene combination with other central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can possibly cause extreme drowsiness. 2. A monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor taken within 14 days of this medication can lead to unpredictable and severe side effects. 3. Long-term use and high doses of acetaminophen can increase the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin), which may lead to bleeding complications. 4. Anticonvulsants (antiseizure medication), barbiturates, and alcohol can increase the liver toxicity caused by large doses of the acetaminophen portion of this medication. 5. The propoxyphene portion of this medication decreases the elimination of carbamazepine from the body, which can lead to an increase in side effects. Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to acetaminophen, propoxyphene, or other narcotic analgesics (such as codeine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone). * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had an acute abdominal condition, asthma, blood disorders, brain disease, colitis, epilepsy, gallstones or gallbladder disease, head injuries, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, mental illness, prostate disease, thyroid disease, or urethral strictures. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Because this product contains propoxyphene, it has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution. Usually, it should not be taken on a regular schedule for longer than ten days at a time. Tolerance develops quickly; do not increase the dosage or stop taking the drug abruptly unless you first consult your doctor. If you have been taking large amounts of this medication for long periods, you may experience a withdrawal reaction (muscle aches, diarrhea, gooseflesh, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, shivering, trembling, stomach cramps, sleep disorders, irritability, weakness, excessive yawning, or sweating). Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce the dosage gradually to prevent or minimize this response. * Because this product contains acetaminophen, additional medications that contain acetaminophen should not be taken without your doctor's approval. Check the labels on over-the-counter (nonprescription) pain, sinus, allergy, asthma, diet, cough, and cold products to see if they contain acetaminophen. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans. Propoxyphene used regularly in large doses during pregnancy can result in addiction of the fetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms (irritability, excessive crying, tremors, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, or excessive yawning) at birth. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication may pass into breast milk and cause excessive drowsiness in the nursing infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.