propoxyphene

n.
A nonnarcotic analgesic drug, C₂₂H₂₉NO₂.

[PROP(IONATE) + OXY- + -phene (alteration of PHENYL).]

Brand names: Darvon®Darvon-N 100Darvon-N®Darvon-N® 100PP-Cap™

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Propoxyphene oral suspension (below)
• Propoxyphene Hydrochloride Oral capsule
• Propoxyphene Napsylate Oral tablet

Español:
• Suspensión oral de propoxifeno
• Propoxifeno Clorhidrato, Cápsula oral
• Napsilato de propoxifeno, Tableta oral

Propoxyphene oral suspension

What are propoxyphene oral suspension?

PROPOXYPHENE (Darvon-N®) relieves moderate to severe pain. Federal law prohibits the transfer of propoxyphene to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic propoxyphene oral suspension is not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• diarrhea
• heart disease
• liver disease
• depression or emotional difficulties
• kidney disease
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to propoxyphene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take propoxyphene oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. If propoxyphene upsets your stomach, you can take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not share this medicine with anyone.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with propoxyphene?

• doxercalciferol
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for seizures, especially carbamazepine

Because propoxyphene can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of propoxyphene. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• muscle relaxants
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking propoxyphene?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away. Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are being prescribed propoxyphene continuously around-the-clock for pain, do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking propoxyphene. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how propoxyphene affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking propoxyphene for a couple of days.

Be careful taking other medicines which may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with propoxyphene. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking propoxyphene.

Propoxyphene may cause constipation with long-term use. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Visit the dentist regularly.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking propoxyphene.

What side effects may I notice from taking propoxyphene?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• breathing difficulties, wheezing
• seizures
• slow or fast heartbeat
• severe rash
More common:
• confusion
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• nervousness or restlessness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• clumsiness, unsteadiness
• constipation
• dizziness, drowsiness
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of propoxyphene by someone (especially children) other than the person for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe effects and possibly death.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

(prō-pŏk'sə-fēn')
n.

A nonnarcotic analgesic drug used for the relief of mild to moderate pain.

An analgesic used as the hydrochloride and napsylate salts. Called also dextropropoxyphene.

Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a mildly narcotic analgesic drug (trade name Darvon) related to methadone but less addictive
  Synonyms: propoxyphene hydrochloride, Darvon

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