$Unique_ID{BRK03311} $Pretitle{} $Title{propoxyphene} $Subject{Darvon Darvon-N Lilly Dolene Lederle hydrochloride Analgesic propoxyphene narcotic analgesic central nervous system brain spinal cord mild moderate pain} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. propoxyphene ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Darvon (Lilly) Darvon-N (Lilly) Dolene (Lederle) propoxyphene hydrochloride (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Analgesic INGREDIENT propoxyphene DOSAGE FORMS Capsules (65 mg) Tablets (100 mg) Oral suspension (10 mg per ml) STORAGE This medication should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in tightly closed containers. USES Propoxyphene is a narcotic analgesic that acts on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to relieve mild to moderate pain. TREATMENT In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take propoxyphene with food or milk. The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before measuring each dose. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. This medication works best if taken at the first sign of pain. Do not wait for the pain to become severe. If your doctor has prescribed this medication to be taken on a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, indigestion, light-headedness, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, vomiting, or weakness. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. 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). If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up 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 confusion, convulsions, darkening of the urine, depression, difficulty in breathing, hallucinations, palpitations, ringing in the ears, skin rash, yellow stools, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Propoxyphene can interact with several types of drugs: 1. Concurrent use of it with other central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sleeping medications, muscle relaxants, and other pain medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness. 2. Propoxyphene can increase carbamazepine blood levels, which in turn can result in greater side effects. 3. A monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor taken within 14 days of this medication can lead to unpredictable and severe side effects. 4. Propoxyphene also interacts with alcohol, increasing its intoxicating effects. You should, therefore, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine. 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 propoxyphene or to 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 acute abdominal conditions, asthma, brain disease, colitis, epilepsy, gallstones or gallbladder disease, head injuries, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, mental illness, emotional disorders, enlarged prostate gland, thyroid disease, or urethral stricture. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Propoxyphene has the potential for abuse and must be used with caution. Usually, you should not take it on a regular schedule for longer than ten days (unless your doctor directs you to do so). 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 or have been taking it for long periods of time, 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) when you stop taking it. Your doctor may therefore want to reduce the dosage gradually. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this medication during the early stages of pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans. However, regular use of propoxyphene in large doses during the later stages of 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.