$Unique_ID{BRK02115}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PROPOXYPHENE}
$Subject{Darvon (Lilly)
Darvon-N (Lilly)
Dolene (Lederle)
propoxyphene hydrochloride (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PROPOXYPHENE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Darvon (Lilly)
     Darvon-N (Lilly)
     Dolene (Lederle)
     propoxyphene hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     propoxyphene
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (32 mg and 65 mg)
     Tablets (100 mg)
     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.  In that case, 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 from a sitting or reclining position, 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.
     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 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, 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.
     * 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.

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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.
